James Madison

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

The class of citizens who provide at once their own food and their own raiment, may be viewed as the most truly independent and happy.

Whenever a youth is ascertained to possess talents meriting an education which his parents cannot afford, he should be carried forward at the public expense.

A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.

Learned Institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people. They throw that light over the public mind which is the best security against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public liberty.

Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild season, through a pleasant country, in easy stages.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

To the press alone, chequered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression.

A well-instructed people alone can be permanently a free people.