Quotation by

James Madison

The essence of Government is power and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.

Advertisement

Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Government is fundamentally about having control over people and decisions. Since this control is held by humans, there is always a risk that they will misuse or exploit it.

More by this author

All quotes by James Madison →

More quotes about Power

See all →
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.

Advertisement

All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.