"There is no maxim in my opinion which is more liable to be misapplied, and which therefore needs elucidation than the current one that the interest of the majority is the political standard of right and wrong... . In fact it is only reestablishing under another name and a more specious form, force as the measure of right... ."
by:
James Madison
(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
Source:
letter to James Monroe, October 5, 1786
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
The closer man's tools (codes, ordinances, regulations, rules, statutes, etc.) get to describing a specific natural law, the greater the liberty, freedom, prosperity, justice and inalienable rights expression. The more the majority attempts to legislate its religious morality (force is the measure of right), the greater the despotism, tyranny, poverty, injustice and usurpation of rights.
 -- Mike, Norwalk     
  • 1
  •  
     -- Robert, Somewhere in Europe      
     -- Jim k, Austin      
     -- Mary - MI      
     -- Ronw13, Yachats Or      
    The majority perspective typically wrong because it lacks the key element that forms every minority perspective, the need for positive change.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
  •  
    Correction: The majority perspective is typically wrong because it lacks the key element that forms every minority perspective, the need for positive change.
     -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown     
  •  
     
    Rate this quote!
    How many stars?
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

     
    What do YOU think?
    Your name:
    Your town:
        CLICK JUST ONCE!

    More Quotations
    Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
    RSS Subscribe
    Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

    © 1998-2024 Liberty-Tree.ca