I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.
James MadisonRead
It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citizens and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The freemen of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise and entangled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much ... to forget it
Interpretation
What this quote means
Citizens must remain vigilant and protective of their liberties from the very first signs of intrusion.
James Madison emphasizes the importance of being alert to any infringement on personal freedoms, suggesting that it is crucial for citizens to recognize and resist even the slightest encroachments on their liberties. He reflects on the actions of the freemen of America who, fearing the potential dangers of usurped power, chose to confront the threat at its inception rather than waiting for it to become firmly established. This proactive stance is portrayed as a vital lesson in defending democracy and individual rights.
Themes
LibertiesVigilanceCitizenshipFreedomDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of civil rights.
More from James Madison
All quotes →No man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause; because his interest would certainly bias his judgment, and, not improbably, corrupt his integrity. With equal, nay with greater reason, a body of men are unfit to be both judges and parties at the same time.
James MadisonRead
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations; but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority, have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have, more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism.
James MadisonRead
The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
James MadisonRead
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
James MadisonRead
The magnitude of this evil among us is so deeply felt, and so universally acknowledged, that no merit could be greater than that of devising a satisfactory remedy for it.
James MadisonRead
Similar quotes
Solitude is not something you must hope for in the future. Rather, it is a deepening of the present, and unless you look for it in the present you will never find it.
Thomas MertonRead
Poverty must be reduced not only for reasons of moral and justice, but also of security.
Anna LindhRead
Temperance is simply a disposition of the mind which binds the passion.
Thomas AquinasRead
From where Winston stood it was just possible to read, picked out on its white face in elegant lettering, the three slogans of the Party:_x000D_ _x000D_ WAR IS PEACE_x000D_ _x000D_ FREEDOM IS SLAVERY_x000D_ _x000D_ IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH.
George OrwellRead
My four sons all knew I was a Jew, but they were allowed to be whatever they wanted to be. The only thing important to me was that they be good people who help other people, because all religion should try to make you a better person and a more caring person. Whenever religion does that for you, it's a good religion.
Kirk DouglasRead
If the Lord counts the natural beauty of the body inferior to that of the soul, what thinks He of spurious beauty, rejecting utterly as He does all falsehood?
Clement Of AlexandriaRead