Quotation by

James Madison

The diversity in the faculties of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not less an insuperable obstacle to an uniformity of interests. The protection of these faculties is the first object of government.

Advertisement

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

People have different abilities and talents, which lead to varying kinds of property and wealth. Because of these differences, the main job of government is to protect each person's rights to their own property and abilities.

More by this author

All quotes by James Madison →

More quotes about Government

See all →
A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take …
I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.

Advertisement

Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil in its worst state, an intolerable one.