"If we are to take for the criterion of truth the majority of suffrages, they ought to be gotten from those philosophic and patriotic citizens who cultivate their reason"

In this quote, James Madison is discussing the principle of reality and how it must be determined. He suggests that the majority of votes, or "suffrages," should be used as the criterion for truth. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that these votes ought to originate from a specific group of individuals - "philosophic and patriotic citizens" who actively use their reason and crucial thinking skills. This suggests that not all people are capable of making informed and reasonable decisions, and for that reason, their votes need to not be the sole basis for determining truth. Madison's words highlight the importance of having a knowledgeable and thoughtful electorate in a democratic society.