"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
John Adams
Founding Father, Politician
John Adams was a Founding Father and the second President of the United States, known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and advocating for liberty.
- Born
- October 30, 1735
- Died
- July 4, 1826
- Quotes
- 406
- Rank
- #3377
About John Adams
John Adams — Life and Legacy
John Adams, a pivotal figure in American history, served as the second President of the United States and was instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. His commitment to liberty and governance shaped the early framework of the nation. Adams believed that a government should be a protector of individual rights, famously stating, 'A government of laws, and not of men,' which underscores his conviction that laws should guide society, not arbitrary power. His quotes often reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of freedom and responsibility. For instance, when he said, 'Liberty must at all hazards be supported,' he emphasized that the fight for freedom is a continuous struggle, one that requires vigilance and sacrifice. This perspective was shaped by his experiences during the American Revolution, where he witnessed the challenges of establishing a new government. Adams's thoughts on governance and civic duty remain relevant today. His assertion that 'Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives' speaks to the enduring nature of patriotism and civic responsibility. In a time when the principles of democracy are constantly tested, his insights remind us of the foundational values that should guide our actions and policies.
Quote collection
John Adams quotes (page 1 of 21)
406 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"There is nothing I dread so much as the division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our constitution."
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt."
"Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."
"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; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it."
"Always stand on principle even if you stand alone."
"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. 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: nor is the law less stable than the fact."
"As the government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen [Muslims] ... it is declared ... that no pretext arising from religious opinion shall ever product an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.... The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or a Mohammedan nation."
"Be not intimidated... nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice."
"Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws."
"One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three is a Congress."
"The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing."
"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty."
"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."
"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion, - as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen, - and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."
"My God! This is a revolution! We have to offend someone!"
"Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society."
"Ideology is the science of idiots."
"Power must never be trusted without a check."