Quote by James Madison
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. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
Summary
This quote highlights the crucial role of information and knowledge in a thriving democracy. It suggests that a government cannot truly be successful if the populace is uninformed or lacks the means to access information. It metaphorically portrays such a government as a mere prelude to a comical or tragic outcome. By asserting that knowledge will always prevail over ignorance, it emphasizes the importance of an educated and empowered citizenry in governing themselves effectively and steering away from unfavorable consequences. Ultimately, the quote advocates for the public's empowerment through knowledge as an essential component of a functional democracy.