As early as 1776, [John Adams] expressed his doubts about…
![“As early as 1776, [John Adams] expressed his doubts about America's capacity for virtue. "I have seen all along my Life, Such Selfishness, and Littleness even in New England, that I sometimes tremble to think that, altho We are engaged in the best Cause that ever employed the Human Heart, yet the…” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/a6f/gordon-s-wood-13199_america_as-early-as-1776-john-adams-expressed-hi_2453880.png)
“As early as 1776, [John Adams] expressed his doubts about America's capacity for virtue. "I have seen all along my Life, Such Selfishness, and Littleness even in New England, that I sometimes tremble to think that, altho We are engaged in the best Cause that ever employed the Human Heart, yet the Prospect of success is doubtfull not for Want of Power or of Wisdom, but of Virtue."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Wood notes early American skepticism about the nation's moral capacity, fearing that virtue, not power or wisdom, is the real obstacle to success.
In simple terms: Virtue is seen as the biggest challenge for America.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue, not just power.
Themes
politics
ethics
history
leadership
national identity
Mood
analytical
historical
serious
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government formation
- public policy
- education reform
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
civic virtue
moral philosophy
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What institutions can nurture virtue?
- Can power and virtue coexist?
A Different Perspective
It may understate structural factors influencing virtue.