The truth is, that in all cases a certain number at least seems to be necessary to secure the benefits of free consultation and discussion, and to guard against too easy a combination for improper purposes; as, on the other hand, the number ought at most to be kept within a certain limit, in order to avoid the confusion and intemperance of a multitude. In all very numerous assemblies, of whatever character composed, passion never fails to wrest the sceptre from reason. Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob.
JM
Author
James Madison
/james-madison-quotes-and-sayings
73
Quotes
8
Works
Author Summary
About James Madison on QuoteMust
James Madison currently has 73 indexed quotes and 8 linked works on QuoteMust. This page is the canonical destination for that author archive.
Works
Books and titles linked to this author
A Memorial and Remonstrance, on the Religious Rights of Man: Written in 1784-85
Federalist Papers By James Madison: Federalist No. 10, Federalist No. 45, Federalist No. 51, Federalist No. 44, Federalist No. 47
Federalist Papers Nos. 10 and 51
Letters and Other Writings of James Madison Volume 3
Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Reported by James Madison
The Constitution of the United States of America
The Federalist Papers
the tenth Federalist Paper
Quotes