James Madison’s home – Montpelier
What a wonderful sight to see the window to the study where the Father of the Constitution did his research. That research which eventually led to the drafting and signing of that marvelous document upon which the new nation, The United States of America was founded. You can see that window of the upstairs study, just over the front door to the mansion. Just watch this video.
Category Archives: James Madison
With Labor Day quickly approaching, I thought maybe you’d enjoy some favorite quotes from some of the Founding Fathers (and a few others) relating to labor.
“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin
“Success has ruined many a good man.” Benjamin Franklin
“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” Benjamin Franklin
“Commerce and industry are the best mines of a nation.” George Washington
“The private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry are not less amiable, in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, in public life.” George Washington
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” -Benjamin Franklin
“I believe He (God) is pleased and delights in the Happiness of those he has created; and since without Virtue Man can have no Happiness in this world, I firmly believe he delights to see me Virtuous because He is pleased when he sees me Happy.” -Benjamin Franklin (capitalization as he wrote it.)
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensible supports. . . . (R)eason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. -George Washington
When any attention is paid to our nation’s founding documents, much attention is paid to the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, especially to the phrase “promote the general Welfare.” It seems to me that too little attention is paid to the words immediately following that phrase. The words “and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” perhaps currently need much more attention by the citizenry and its representatives.
Are we trying at all to secure the “Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” when we go on unbridled spending sprees? Are we selling our Liberty for a mess of pottage? Are we purchasing our security for a loss of our Liberty, our Liberty and that of our children?
James Madison is often called “The Father of the Constitution.” He had some compelling things to say about those we choose as our leaders.
Here is one of my favorite quotes of his:
“The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of society; and . . . to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.”