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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Madison warns that gradual erosion of freedom by those in power can be more dangerous than outright violence.
In this quote, James Madison emphasizes the insidious nature of power and how it can lead to the gradual loss of individual freedoms. He suggests that history shows a pattern where the majority can oppress the minority through silent encroachments, which can create factions and lead to despotism. Rather than just violent revolts, it is the subtle and continual infringement of rights that poses a significant threat to liberty.
Themes
FreedomPowerOppressionDemocracyHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about civil rights, this quote could highlight the importance of vigilance against slow encroachments of 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
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.
James MadisonRead
It was by the sober sense of our citizens that we were safely and steadily conducted from monarchy to republicanism, and it is by the same agency alone we can be kept from falling back.
James MadisonRead
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