Quote by James Madison
Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home is to be charged to provisions against danger, real or pretended, from abroad.
Summary
This quote suggests that throughout history, the erosion of personal freedom within a nation can often be attributed to measures taken by the government to protect against perceived threats from other countries. It implies that in the face of danger or imagined dangers, governments tend to implement policies and restrictions that may curtail individual liberties. The quote highlights the tendency for societies to sacrifice certain freedoms in the name of security, serving as a cautionary reminder to remain vigilant in protecting civil liberties while facing external threats.