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 of great importance in a republic, not only to guard the society against the oppression of its rulers; but to guard one part of the society against the injustice of the other part.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the significance of protecting individuals from both governmental tyranny and societal injustice.
James Madison emphasizes the dual responsibility of a republic to safeguard its citizens not only from potential oppression imposed by rulers but also from injustices that may arise from within society itself. This suggests a balanced approach to justice that is essential for a harmonious and equitable community, emphasizing the need for vigilance against both forms of injustice.
In practice
A senator might quote this during a debate on civil rights legislation.
I go on the principle that a public debt is a public curse and in a republican government more than in any other.
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.
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.
The advice nearest to my heart and deepest in my convictions is that the Union of the States be cherished and perpetuated.
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
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.
Fame is ultimately about the cycles of desire and how to do away with them or manage them well.
Yet the stupid believe they are awake, busily and brightly assuming they understand things, calling this man ruler, that one herdsman – how dense! Confucius and you are both dreaming! And when I say you are dreaming, I am dreaming, too. Words like these will be labeled the Supreme Swindle.
You are born with a character; it is given, a gift, as the old stories say, from the guardians upon your birth...Each person enters the world called.
Only in solitude do we find ourselves; and in finding ourselves, we find in ourselves all our brothers in solitude.
From my perspective, I think the question of how we build a better future is an extremely important overarching question, and I think it's become obscured from us because we no longer think it's possible to have a meaningful conversation about the future.
We do not see people as they are, but as they appear to us. And these appearances are usually misleading.
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