The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
Politicians
James Madison
Fourth U.S. president (1751-1836), known as the "Father of the Constitution" and the "Father of the Bill of Rights." He drafted the Virginia Plan that framed the 1787 Convention, co-authored The Federalist Papers (writing 29 of the 85 essays, including the canonical Nos. 10 and 51), and supplied the working theory of separation of powers that still organizes constitutional argument worldwide. As Jefferson's secretary of state he was the named defendant in Marbury v. Madison. As president he led the country into the War of 1812 and was forced to flee Washington as British troops burned the Capitol and the White House. He owned more than a hundred enslaved people across his lifetime and freed none in his will.
View this figure's profile
James Madison's Other Quotes
The means of defence against foreign danger have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.
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.
Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.
Related Quotes
Educate the children and it will not be necessary to punish the men.
-- Pythagoras
Fables should be taught as fables, myths as myths, and miracles as poetic fancies.
-- Hypatia
To teach superstitions as truth is a most terrible thing.
-- Hypatia
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
-- Steve Jobs
Blue dye is extracted from the indigo plant, yet it is bluer than indigo itself.
-- Xunzi
The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
-- Bertrand Russell