Circumspection and distrust

Source: James Madison

[T]here is a degree of depravity in mankind which requires a certain degree of circumspection and distrust.

Topic(s):

corruption

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“Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defense of custom. But the tumult soon subsides.” — Thomas Paine

“There can be no public or private virtue unless the foundation of action is the practice of truth.” — George Jacob Holyoake