Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.

James Madison

Federalist 10

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More information about this quote

Topic

Political faction Political conflict 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

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.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by James Madison about political faction: “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it…”
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A quote by James Madison about political faction: “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it…”
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A quote by James Madison about political faction: “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it…”
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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

It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices should be necessary to control the abuses of government. But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? If men were angels, no government would be necessary.

James Madison

Federalist 51

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Read Federalist No. 51 at the Library of Congress website
More information about this quote
Topic
Political theory Politics Government Human nature

Author

James Madison
Source
Federalist 51 The Federalist Papers
Medium
Essay
Genre
Political literature
Language
English
Time
1788 1780s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 2
Original Citation

Madison, James [published as Publius]. "Federalist No. 51, The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments." New York Packet, 8 Feb. 1788.

Current Citation

Madison, James. "No. 51: How to maintain: make the parts check each other. Also, a federal system divides power further.--Madison (or Hamilton)." The Federalist: A Commentary on the Constitution of the United States, edited by Robert Scigliano. The Modern Library, 2001.

Another quote from the 1780s

The due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government.

George Washington

More information about this quote
Topic
Good government Political theory Politics

Author

George Washington
Source
Letters of George Washington
Medium
Letter
Language
English
Time
1789 1780s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation

Washington, George. Letter to Edmund Randolph. 28 Sept. 1789.

Current Citation

Washington, George. "From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 28 September 1789." George Washington: Writings, edited by John H. Rhodehamel. Library of America, 1997.

Another quote about Political theory

Politics is the art of the possible.

Otto von Bismarck

More information about this quote
Topic
Political compromise Political theory Politics
Speaker
Otto von Bismarck
Source
Die Gartenlaube
Medium
Newspaper
Language
German
Time
1867 1860s 19th century
Authentication Score 1
Citation

Von Bismark, Otto. Quoted in "Aus den Erinnerungen eines russischen Publicisten. 2. Ein Stündchen beim Kanzler des norddeutschen Bundes. In: Die Gartenlaube" ["From the memories of a Russian publicist. 2. An hour with the Chancellor of the North German Confederation. In: The Gazebo.] St. Petersburgische Zeitung, 11 Aug. 1867.