James Madison

"The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."

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.

A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both.

As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights. Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedoms of the people by gradual and silent encroachment of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

The nation which reposes on the pillow of political confidence will sooner or later end its political existence in a deadly lethargy.

All power in human hands is liable to be abused.

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government

What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their natural and surest support.

The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.

The people are the only legitimate fountain of power.