Quotes by John Adams
40 quotes by John Adams
Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.
Quote by John Adams about society, word
All the perplexities, confusion and distress in America arise, not from defects in their Constitution or Confederation, not from want of honor or virtue, so much as from the downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit and circulation.
Quote by John Adams about defects, confusion, ignorance, virtue, nature
Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion... in private self-defense.
Quote by John Adams about self-control
As much as I converse with sages and heroes, they have very little of my love and admiration. I long for rural and domestic scene, for the warbling of birds and the prattling of my children.
Quote by John Adams about conversation, admiration, children, love
Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.
Quote by John Adams about authority, society, character, moral, power
Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear and imagination - everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.
Quote by John Adams about charm, miracle, imagination
I have accepted a seat in the House of Representatives, and thereby have consented to my own ruin, to your ruin, and to the ruin of our children. I give you this warning that you may prepare your mind for your fate.
Quote by John Adams about destiny, home, house, children, mind
I must not write a word to you about politics, because you are a woman.
Quote by John Adams about politics, word, woman
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
Quote by John Adams about mathematics, philosophy, politics, liberty, war
Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.
Quote by John Adams about knowledge
Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.
Quote by John Adams about liberty, knowledge, people