So strong is this propensity of mankind to fall into mutual animosities, that where no substantial occasion presents itself, the most frivolous and fanciful distinctions have been sufficient to kindle their unfriendly passions and excite their most violent conflicts.

James Madison

Federalist 10

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More information about this quote

Topic

Conflict Human nature

Author

James Madison

Source

Federalist 10 The Federalist Papers

Medium

Essay

Genre

Political literature

Language

English

Time

1787 1780s 18th century

Era

American Revolutionary Period

Occupation

Founding Father American President National leader Politician

From

United States

Authentication Score 2

Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 10: The Same Subject Continued: The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection." Daily Advertiser, 22 Nov. 1787.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 10: An extensive republic a remedy for mischiefs of faction.--Madison." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.

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Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote by James Madison

Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm.

James Madison

Federalist 10

Buy The Federalist Papers at Amazon Buy The Federalist Papers at Amazon
Read Federalist No. 10 at the Library of Congress website
More information about this quote
Topic
Political leadership Checks and balances Political theory Politics

Author

James Madison
Source
Federalist 10 The Federalist Papers
Medium
Essay
Genre
Political literature
Language
English
Time
1787 1780s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 10: The Same Subject Continued: The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection." Daily Advertiser, 22 Nov. 1787.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 10: An extensive republic a remedy for mischiefs of faction.--Madison." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.

Another quote from the 1780s

Every project has been found to be no better than committing the lamb to the custody of the wolf, except that one which is called a balance of power.

John Adams

More information about this quote
Topic
Constitutional theory Political theory

Author

John Adams
Source
Letters of John Adams
Medium
Letter
Statement Type
Metaphor, analogy and simile
Language
English
Time
1789 1780s 18th century
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation

Adams, John. Letter to Roger Sherman. 17 July 1789.

Current Citation

Adams, John. "Correspondence with Roger Sherman and John Taylor." The Portable John Adams. Penguin Classics, 2004.

Another quote about Human nature

If all men were just, there still would be some, though not so much, need of government.

Abraham Lincoln

Read the full text of this quote at umich.edu
More information about this quote
Topic
Government Human nature Political theory Politics

Author

Abraham Lincoln
Source
Journals of Abraham Lincoln
Medium
Personal journal
Language
English
Time
1854 1850s 19th century
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Lincoln, Abraham. "Fragment: On Government." 1 July 1854?

Current Citation

Lincoln, Abraham. "Fragment on Government, 1854?" Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1832-1858, edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher. Library of America, 1989.