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
One nation is to another what one individual is to another; with this melancholy distinction perhaps, that the former with fewer of the benevolent emotions than the latter, are under fewer restraints also from taking undue advantage of the indiscretions of each other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nations, like individuals, can have similar relationships, but nations may act with less empathy and greater self-interest.
James Madison's quote draws a parallel between the relationships among nations and those among individuals, suggesting that just as individuals may show kindness and restraint in their interactions, nations often operate with less benevolence and fewer ethical constraints. This implies that nations, while similar in social dynamics to individuals, might exploit each other more readily due to a lack of emotional connection and moral obligation, highlighting the darker side of international relations.
Themes
NationsIndividualsRelationshipsBenevolenceMoral Restraint
In practice
Example use cases
During a political speech about international relations, one might reference this quote to illustrate the challenges countries face in maintaining ethical dealings.
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.
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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.
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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
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