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
It is a principle incorporated into the settled policy of America, that as peace is better than war, war is better than tribute.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the idea that while peace is ideal, if conflict is unavoidable, it is preferable to engage in war than to pay tribute to aggressors.
James Madison's quote reflects a foundational principle regarding national policy, suggesting that while peace should always be the ultimate goal, there are certain situations where engaging in war is more honorable than submission through tribute. The quote asserts that national integrity and resistance to oppression may necessitate conflict, thereby raising ethical considerations on how a nation interacts with its adversaries.
Themes
PeaceWarTributePrincipleNational Policy
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing national defense strategies in a roundtable.
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.
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