James Madison Quotes

“I have observed that gentlemen suppose that the general legislature will do every thing mischievous they possibly can, and that they will omit to do every thing good which they are authorized to do. If this were a reasonable supposition, their objections would be good. I consider it reasonable to conclude that they will as readily do their duty as deviate from it; nor do I go on the grounds mentioned by gentlemen on the other side — that we are to place unlimited confidence in them, and expect nothing but the most exalted integrity and sublime virtue. But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom. Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.” James Madison (speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 20 June 1788)”

“I have observed that gentlemen suppose that the general legislature will do every thing mischievous they possibly can, and that they will omit to do every thing good which they are authorized to do. If this were a reasonable supposition, their objections would be good. I consider it reasonable to conclude that they will as readily do their duty as deviate from it; nor do I go on the grounds mentioned by gentlemen on the other side — that we are to place unlimited confidence in them, and expect nothing but the most exalted integrity and sublime virtue. But I go on this great republican principle, that the people will have virtue and intelligence to select men of virtue and wisdom. Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.” James Madison (speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 20 June 1788)”

“Your reaction makes me deliciously curious. Will you be kept awake tonight wondering if I knew it was you? Imagining yourself under me?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“Me? With only one woman forever and ever, blah, blah, blah. I don't think so, brother. I am having too much fun with all the ladies in Johobin."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance (Breccan)”

“They'd seen her laugh before he did, had seen her live before he had. The thought of it provoked envy inside of Wharick, and that emotion at times, could be just as powerful as jealousy."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“He looked down at the pillow that had fallen to the floor at his feet. "Are you seriously beginning a fight you cannot possibly win, druid?" he asked, his Gwarda green eyes deepening in color from the challenge."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“The tale of love and power was a continuum, much like the white carousel just outside of Acronis's hall. It turned around and around. Acronis was tired of the spin."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“Thais looked up from the book. For a moment he considered telling Kathel he didn't really see anything, but knew it would do no good to lie. "The book recognized me." Honesty won out. "Of course it did," Kathel said sarcastically. "Does it want a kiss hello?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“So tell me, Thais, you say all things happen for a reason. What if I never found you wandering in the forest that day?" he asked. Thais didn't miss a beat. "Was I wandering?" he asked, but before Kathel answered Thais spoke again. "The question, Kathel, may be, who found who?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“Their bodies continued to move together as one, making rhythmic love to each other slowly and thoroughly. And with each thrust, each deliberate movement, the air around them grew thicker, the bind connecting them grew stronger, and their blossoming love grew richer, reaching the depths of their very souls."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”

“The first thing that went through Mahgen's mind was how cold she'd become with the loss of Kathel, how insane it was that things could go from tender and warm, to cold and indifferent, in the matter of seconds. That was what it felt like when you loved completely yet allowed things to get in the way of forever."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance”