Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

James Madison

James Madison

Related Quotes

There are haunters of the silence, ghosts that hold the heart and brain.

— Madison Julius Cawein

It is as important to cultivate your silence power as your word power.

— William James

Our silence in the face of the horrific abuses that are taking place on a daily basis in fact are causing people throughout the Middle East to ask serious questions about America and about its commitment to its values.

— James Zogby

Come then, expressive silence, muse His praise.

— James Thomson

He himself was almost never bored, and there was no man with whom it would have been a greater mistake to suppose that silence meant displeasure.

— Henry James

boredomsilencethoughtfulness