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
Happily for America, happily, we trust, for the whole human race, they pursued a new and more noble course. They accomplished a revolution which has no parallel in the annals of human society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the extraordinary nature of the American Revolution and its hopeful impact on humanity.
James Madison reflects on the American Revolution as a significant turning point not just for America, but for the entire human race. He suggests that the revolution marked a departure from traditional governance, favoring a noble pursuit of liberty and democracy that was unprecedented in human history.
Themes
RevolutionHumanityFreedomDemocracyNobility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about national pride, one might reference Madison's view on the American Revolution as a model for future struggles for freedom.
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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History never looks like history when you are living through it. It always looks confusing and messy, and it always feels uncomfortable.
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