"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"

This quote by James Madison speaks with the power of journalism in promoting reason and humankind over error and injustice. Madison acknowledges that the press is not ideal, as it is "chequered with abuses," but he still acknowledges its value in the defend justice. He believes that the press has contributed in attaining the triumphs of reason and humanity, which the world is indebted to it for these successes. This quote works as a pointer of the importance of a totally free press in a democracy, and how it can be utilized to promote justice and equality. It also works as a caution versus the potential abuses of the press, and how these can be used to undermine the progress of reason and mankind.