Quote by: James Madison

When occasions present themselves in which the interests of the people are at variance with their inclinations, it is the duty of the persons whom they have appointed to be the guardians of those interests to withstand the temporary delusion in order to give them time and opportunity for more cool and sedate reflection. Instances might be cited in which a conduct of this kind has saved the people from very fatal consequences of their own mistakes, and has procured lasting monuments of their gratitude to the men who had courage and magnanimity enough to serve them at the peril of their displeasure.


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Author Bio


  • NameJames Madison
  • DescriptionAmerican politician, 4th president of the United States (in office from 1809 to 1817)
  • AliasesJames Madison, Jr.
  • BornMarch 5, 1750
  • DiedJune 28, 1836
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionPolitician; Writer; Diplomat; Philosopher