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
That useful alterations will be suggested by experience, could not but be foreseen . . . . It moreover equally enables the general and state governments to originate the amendment of errors as they may be pointed out by the experience on one side or on the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experience helps us identify and amend errors in our systems.
This quote by James Madison emphasizes the importance of learning from experience, suggesting that both general and state governments have the capacity to recognize and correct their mistakes through this process. It highlights the necessity of adaptability in governance, as new suggestions for improvement and amendments to existing errors will emerge from practical experiences over time.
Themes
ChangeExperienceGovernanceImprovementAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of adaptability in government policies.
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
Similar quotes
Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make change.
Barbara MikulskiRead
A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery.
Mao ZedongRead
I guess it's going to have to hurt, I guess I'm going to have to cry, And let go of some things I've loved to get to the other side I guess it's going to break me down, Like fallin when you try to fly, Sad but sometimes moving on with the rest of your life starts with goodbye
Carrie UnderwoodRead
No, we are not anti-white. But we don't have time for the white man. The white man is on top already, the white man is the boss already ... He has first-class citizenship already. So you are wasting your time talking to the white man. We are working on our own people.
Malcolm XRead
Unless we share with each other we gotta start makin' changes
Tupac ShakurRead
The best way to help Africans today is to help them to stand on their own feet. And the best way to do that is by helping create jobs.
Ngozi Okonjo-IwealaRead