Notable Quotes by John Adams

A government of laws, and not of men.

Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

There are two types of education… One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live.

The happiness of society is the end of government.

Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.

Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.

You will never be alone with a good book.

It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.

In politics, the middle way is none at all.

Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.

You have rights antecedent to all earthly governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws.

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

The longer I live, the more I read, the more patiently I think, and the more anxiously I inquire, the less I seem to know…Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. This is enough.

The happiness and prosperity of our citizens is the only legitimate object of government.

Notable Quotes by John Adams part 2

Fear is the foundation of most governments.

Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order.

Always stand on principle…even if you stand alone.

Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.

May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.

It’s not just about talent, it’s about heart and soul.

Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.

The desire of the power of other people over ourselves completely taints the purity of our love for mankind.

The happiness of society is made up of the happiness of individuals.

A good character, when established, is not easily overthrown but remains fixed and unshakeable.

The child is father of the man.

I am aware I shall not be allowed to do anything that I think is just.

In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress.

Nothing can be politically right that is morally wrong.

Ambition makes life better; it also makes it worse.

Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.

Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.

Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.

The happiness of society is the end of government.

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.

It is more important that innocence be protected than it is that guilt be punished.

The die is cast.

While all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill.