Famous quote by James Madison

Mobile Desktop
A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them
Like

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

- James Madison

About this Quote

James Madison's quote, "A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them," encapsulates an extensive understanding of individual rights, especially highlighting the intrinsic link between personal beliefs and their expression. In this context, "property" is not merely a recommendation to product possessions however encompasses encompass individual rights and liberties. By corresponding opinions to residential or commercial property, Madison highlights their intrinsic worth and the inherent ownership individuals have more than their beliefs.

This point of view can be comprehended in the broader framework of natural rights, a viewpoint advocating that certain rights are intrinsic by virtue of humanity. Just as people deserve to own physical residential or commercial property, they have a fundamental right to hold and reveal personal beliefs and viewpoints. Madison, a crucial architect of American constitutional idea, thus verifies that the freedom of thought and expression is as essential as any tangible asset.

The expression "free communication of them" underscores the significance of not just holding viewpoints but also the liberty to reveal and share them without restraint. This element of the quote champs freedom of speech, a cornerstone of democratic societies. It suggests that the ability to freely go over and share ideas is crucial for personal development and societal progress. By identifying interaction of opinions as a type of property, Madison underscores the function of free expression as a protective mechanism versus tyranny. When individuals can freely interact their thoughts, they take part in the civic procedure, hold authorities responsible, and add to the market of concepts.

Madison's assertion remains pertinent today, reminding us that flexibility of idea and expression is important to individual liberty and democratic governance. Recognizing viewpoints and their expression as "property" raises these liberties to a fundamental status, crucial for the flourishing of individuals and societies alike.

About the Author

James Madison This quote is written / told by James Madison between March 16, 1751 and June 28, 1836. He was a famous President from USA. The author also have 64 other quotes.

Go to author profile

Similar Quotes

Small: Software is like sex: its better when its free - Linus Torvalds
Linus Torvalds
"Software is like sex: it's better when it's free"
Linus Torvalds, Businessman
Small: Dreams are free. Goals have a cost. While you can daydream for free, goals dont come without a price. Time, ef
Usain Bolt
"Dreams are free. Goals have a cost. While you can daydream for free, goals don't come without a price. Time, effort, sacrifice, and sweat. How will you pay for your goals?"
Usain Bolt, Athlete
Small: It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere - Voltaire
Voltaire
"It is difficult to free fools from the chains they revere"
Voltaire, Writer
Small: A hungry man is not a free man - Adlai E. Stevenson
"A hungry man is not a free man"
Adlai E. Stevenson, Politician
Small: Some books leave us free and some books make us free - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Some books leave us free and some books make us free"
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Philosopher
Small: Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages - Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett
"Only in our dreams are we free. The rest of the time we need wages"
Terry Pratchett, Author
Small: The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice their choice! - Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
"The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!"
Dwight D. Eisenhower, President
Small: To admit there is no god is to provide free license to pillage and rape with clear conscience - Eli Khamarov
Eli Khamarov
"To admit there is no god is to provide free license to pillage and rape with clear conscience"
Eli Khamarov, Writer
Small: If you love someone, set them free. If they come back theyre yours if they dont they never were - Richard Bach
Richard Bach
"If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were"
Richard Bach, Novelist
Small: When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other - Eric Hoffer
Eric Hoffer
"When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other"
Eric Hoffer, Writer