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
A zeal for different opinions concerning religion...[has] divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religious disagreements lead to division and conflict among people instead of unity and cooperation.
James Madison's quote reflects on the destructive impact of differing religious views on humanity, emphasizing that such discord often leads to animosity and oppression rather than collaboration for mutual benefit. He suggests that the zeal with which people defend their beliefs creates factions that hinder collective progress and understanding.
Themes
ReligionDisagreementCooperationAnimosityDivision
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a debate on the impact of religion in politics.
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
What is a farm but a mute gospel?
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
While some men see ordinary happenings, others see divine light and guidance.
Thomas MertonRead
Consider the problem of over-population. Rapidly mounting human numbers are pressing ever more heavily on natural resources. What is to be_x000D_ done?... The annual increase of numbers should be reduced. But how? We_x000D_ are given two choices -- famine, pestilence and war on the one hand,_x000D_ birth control on the other. Most of us choose birth control.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Memory is redundant: it repeats signs so that the city can begin to exist.
Italo CalvinoRead
Helping, fixing, and serving represent three different ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. when you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul.
Rachel Naomi RemenRead
For nothing so much disturbs the mind, though it be done for some beneficial purpose, as to innovate and introduce strange things, and most of all when this is done in matters relating to divine worship and the glory of God.
Saint John ChrysostomRead