Civilized Quote by James Madison
![“[T]he most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society. Those who are creditors, and those who are debtors, fall under a like discrimination. A…” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fb2/james-madison-373_civilized_t-he-most-common-and-durable-source-of-f_1932696.jpg)
“[T]he most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society. Those who are creditors, and those who are debtors, fall under a like discrimination. A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile interest, a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated by different sentiments and views.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 10, 1787
Economic inequality creates distinct group interests that lead to social factions and class divisions.
In simple terms: Unequal property fuels group conflicts.
Key Takeaway
Address wealth gaps to reduce factionalism.
Themes
economics
politics
social class
conflict
inequality
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- policy making
- community organizing
- education reform
- media analysis
Key Concepts
property rights
class interests
social stratification
Questions to Reflect On
- How does property ownership shape political power?
- What policies can balance interests without stifling innovation?
A Different Perspective
Wealth redistribution can be politically contentious and may face resistance.
![“With regard to the learned professions, little need be observed; they truly form no distinct interest in society . . . [discussing the landed, merchant, and learned classes in legislative assembly]. Will not the man of the learned profession, who will feel a neutrality to the rivalships between…” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ad/alexander-hamilton-619_arbiter_with-regard-to-the-learned-professions-l_1312292.jpg)
![“It is certain that every class is interested in [educational] establishments which give to the human mind its highest improvements, and to every Country its truest and most durable celebrity.” quote by James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/964/james-madison-373_certain_it-is-certain-that-every-class-is-intere_22217.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
