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Fisher Ames Quotes

Former United States Representative

Fisher Ames was a significant figure in the early history of the United States, serving as a Representative from Massachusetts. He was instrumental in drafting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Ames was born on April 9, 1758, and died on July 4, 1808.

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Famous Fisher Ames Quotes

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

Believe Known Liberty Democracy Ignorant Ambitious Propensity

Book:Works of Fisher Ames, compiled by a number of his friends

Source: Works of Fisher Ames, compiled by a number of his friends

“A large portion of our citizens, who will not believe, even on the evidence of facts, that any public evils exist, or are impending. They deride the apprehensions of those who foresee, that licentiousness will prove, as it ever has proved, fatal to liberty.”

Believe Facts Evil Liberty Citizens Prove Evidence Portions Apprehension

Book:Works of Fisher Ames: With a Selection from His Speeches and Correspondence

Source: Works of Fisher Ames: With a Selection from His Speeches and Correspondence

“The House is composed of very good men, not shining, but honest and reasonably well-informed, and in time will be found to improve, and not much inferior in eloquence, science, and dignity, to the British Commons. They are patriotic enough, and I believe there are more stupid (as well as more shining) people in the latter, in proportion.”

Source: Works of Fisher Ames: With a Selection from His Speeches and Correspondence