The Wisdom Letter #174

5 quotes from James Madison (1751–1836)

✹ For today's Wisdom Letter, we have carefully curated five bite-sized quotes from the 4th U.S. President, James Madison (1751–1836).

Quote № 01:

“Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.”

— James Madison

Quote № 02:

“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

— James Madison

Quote № 03:

“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

Quote № 04:

“But we are always to keep in mind that it is safer to trust the consequences of a right principle, than reasonings in support of a bad one.”

— James Madison

Quote № 05:

“The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.”

— James Madison

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✺ Today’s Questions

Three philosophical questions to foster your curiosity:

Question № 01:

In what ways does war consolidate power in the hands of the few, and how can democracies resist this tendency during times of conflict?

Question № 02:

How can individuals and societies remain vigilant against the gradual and silent encroachments of power, and what mechanisms are most effective for identifying and resisting these?

Question № 03:

What safeguards can be implemented to prevent the corruption of power without undermining the authority needed for governance and societal stability?

✽ Thank you for reading today’s Wisdom Letter.

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