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
Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few... No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War poses a significant threat to public liberty, leading to the rise of oppression and control by a few over the many.
In this quote, James Madison warns that war is a fundamental enemy to public liberty because it creates conditions that lead to tyranny. He argues that war fosters armies, which in turn necessitate debts and taxes that can be exploited to subjugate the general population. Therefore, ongoing conflict undermines a nation's freedom and can result in the domination of a powerful elite over the masses, making it essential for societies to avoid continual warfare to maintain their liberties.
Themes
WarLibertyTyrannyOppressionFreedomGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of peace in a democratic society.
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.
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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.
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The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
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Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
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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.
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