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
Liberty is to faction, what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be a less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty is essential for political life, just as air is vital for fire, despite the potential dangers it poses.
In this quote, James Madison emphasizes the fundamental role of liberty in sustaining political life and the functioning of factions within society. He suggests that while liberty can lead to factionalism, abolishing it would be as foolish as eliminating air, which is necessary for both life and fire, despite its more destructive consequences. The quote highlights the importance of balancing freedom and the chaos that may arise from it, advocating for the preservation of liberty as a cornerstone of political existence.
Themes
LibertyFactionPolitical LifeFreedomAir
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of civil liberties in a democracy.
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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