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     Madison shone in the daily drudgery of work.  The Virginia Governor's Council met six days a week.  During his first, seven-month session, from January to July 1778, Madison missed only seven days.  In the three and a half years he spent in Congress—most of that time in Philadelphia—he missed hardly any days.  Bachelorhood helped him compile there almost-perfect attendance records;  so did being the son of a wealthy father who managed the family business back home, and loaned him money whenever he needed it.  But Madison made the most of the opportunities his situation in life gave him.  He wanted to work, and the more he did, the more he was given.

-Richard Brookhiser,  James Madison