Fisher Ames Quotes about Democracy

The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and ignorant believe to be liberty.

The known propensity of a democracy is to licentiousness which the ambitious call, and ignorant believe to be liberty.

Believe, Ignorant, Democracy

Fisher Ames (1809). “Works of Fisher Ames, compiled by a number of his friends”, p.384

A democracy is a volcano which conceals the fiery materials of its own destruction. These will produce an eruption and carry desolation in their way.

Fisher Ames

Volcanoes, Democracy, Way

Fisher Ames (1809). “Works of Fisher Ames, compiled by a number of his friends”, p.24

[the framers of the Constitution] intended our government should be a republic, which differs more widely from a democracy than a democracy from a despotism.

Fisher Ames

Government, Historical, Democracy

Democracy, in its best state, is but the politics of Bedlam; while kept chained, its thoughts are frantic, but when it breaks loose, it kills the keeper, fires the building, and perishes.

Fisher Ames

Fire, Historical, Democracy

Liberty has never lasted long in a democracy, nor has it ever ended in anything better than despotism.

Fisher Ames

Long, Historical, Democracy

All such men are, or ought to be, agreed, that simple governments are despotisms; and of all despotisms, a democracy, though the least durable, is the most violent.

Fisher Ames

Simple, Men, Democracy

Fisher Ames (1835). “The influences of democracy on liberty, property, and the happiness of society, considered”, p.45