James Madison As paraphrased in The Great Quotations (1960) by George Seldes, p. 460; this paraphrase has for some time become the most widely quoted form of Madison's statement.
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The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.
— James Madison on Truth
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted." in the context of "James Madison As paraphrased in The Great Quotations (1960) by George Seldes, p. 460; this paraphrase has for some time become the most widely quoted form of Madison's statement." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Truth" (M: [[File:Under the Milky Way in Black Rock Desert, Nevada.jpg|thumb|right|At times the truth shines so brilliantly that we perceive it as clear as day. Our nature and habit then draw a veil over our perception, and we return to a darkness almost as dense as before.
~ Maimonides]]
[[File:J’accuse.jpg|thumb|right|The truths should be at one time apparent and at another time concealed.
~ Maimonides]])
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
About James Madison
James Madison Jr. (16 March 1751 – 28 June 1836) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Madison was popularly acclaimed the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
About James Madison
James Madison Jr. (16 March 1751 – 28 June 1836) was an American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Madison was popularly acclaimed the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
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