Quote by James Madison

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? 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.

What is government itself but the greatest of all reflection

Summary

This quote, attributed to James Madison, suggests that government is a product of recognizing and acknowledging the flaws and imperfections of human nature. It expresses the fundamental idea that government exists because humans are not perfect beings, and it serves as a mechanism to manage and control these imperfections. The quote acknowledges that if humans were inherently virtuous and angelic, there would be no need for a governing body. Conversely, if angels were in charge of governing humans, there would be no need for regulations or checks and balances as their inherent goodness would ensure a just society.

Topics

Nature Government

By James Madison

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