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
The latent causes of faction are thus sown in the nature of man; and we see them everywhere brought into different degrees of activity, according to the different circumstances of civil society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human nature inherently gives rise to factions, and their activity varies with societal conditions.
James Madison's quote reflects the idea that the predispositions for forming factions, which are groups united by shared interests, stem from inherent traits of humanity. He suggests that these divisions are ever-present but fluctuate in intensity depending on the context of the civil society, highlighting the complexities of human interactions and governance.
Themes
FactionNatureHumanSocietyCivil
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate, one might refer to Madison's quote to explain the origins of political polarization.
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.
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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.
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.
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