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
A zeal for different opinions concerning religion...[has] divided mankind into parties, inflamed them with mutual animosity, and rendered them much more disposed to vex and oppress each other than to co-operate for their common good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religious disagreements lead to division and conflict among people instead of unity and cooperation.
James Madison's quote reflects on the destructive impact of differing religious views on humanity, emphasizing that such discord often leads to animosity and oppression rather than collaboration for mutual benefit. He suggests that the zeal with which people defend their beliefs creates factions that hinder collective progress and understanding.
Themes
ReligionDisagreementCooperationAnimosityDivision
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a debate on the impact of religion in politics.
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.
James MadisonRead
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