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
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge is essential for preserving freedom and liberty.
This quote emphasizes the vital role that knowledge plays in safeguarding individual freedoms and ensuring a just society. James Madison asserts that the spread and development of knowledge among the populace is crucial, as it empowers individuals and protects against tyranny, thereby being a foundational element of true liberty.
Themes
KnowledgeLibertyFreedomEducationAdvancement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to inspire students about the importance of lifelong learning.
More from James Madison
All quotes βNo 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
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Reading and writing and the preservation of language and its forms and the kind of eloquence and the kind of beauty which the language is capable of is terribly important to the human beings because this is connected to thought.
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Children are excellent observers, and will often perceive your slightest defects. In general, those who govern children, forgive nothing in them, but everything in themselves
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