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James Madison Quote

“What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary.”

— James Madison

Source: Quotables — alvations/Quotables (CC0 1.0 dataset)

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No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

— James Madison

Freedom

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Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.

— James Madison

Freedom

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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.

— James Madison

Education

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If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

— James Madison

Wisdom

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The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.

— James Madison

Wisdom

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If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.

— James Madison

Wisdom

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