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
Because we hold it for 'a fundamental and undeniable truth', that religion or 'the duty which we owe to our Creator' and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religion should be guided by personal belief and understanding, not imposed through coercion.
James Madison emphasizes the essential principle that true religious practice and belief must arise from individual reason and conviction rather than from external pressure, coercion, or violence. This quote underlines the value of personal faith as a voluntary act of devotion and suggests that genuine commitment to one's beliefs cannot be enforced through force.
Themes
ReligionReasonConvictionFreedomBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about religious tolerance, this quote can highlight the need for personal belief.
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
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