The Declaration of Independence I always considered as a theatrical show. Jefferson ran away with all the stage effect of that... and… — John Adams Copy Share Image
The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great… — John Adams Copy Share Image
If the multitude is possessed of the balance of real estate, the multitude will have the balance of power, and in that… — John Adams Copy Share Image
[L]iberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not,… — John Adams Copy Share Image
The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Have you ever found in history, one single example of a nation, thoroughly corrupted, that was afterwards restored to virtue? And without… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property,… — John Adams Copy Share Image
When people talk of the freedom of writing, speaking or thinking I cannot choose but laugh. No such thing ever existed. No… — John Adams Copy Share Image
We may... affirm that the balance of power in a society accompanies the balance of property in land. The only possible way,… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Liberty, according to my metaphysics, is an intellectual quality, an attribute that belongs not to fate nor chance. Neither possesses it, neither… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“The liberty, the unalienable, indefeasible rights of men, the honor and dignity of human nature, the grandeur and glory of the public,… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study… — John Adams Copy Share Image
My best wishes, in the joys, and festivities, and the solemn services of that day on which will be completed the fiftieth… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty. There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and indignation against… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Before God, I believe the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure, and my whole heart is in it. All that… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Were I to define the British constitution, therefore, I should say, it is a limited monarchy, or a mixture of the three… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“We think ourselves possessed, or, at least, we boast that we are so, of liberty of conscience on all subjects, and of… — John Adams Copy Share Image
[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, natural history and naval… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I would define liberty to be a power to do as we would be done by. The definition of liberty to be… — John Adams Copy Share Image
We may please ourselves with the prospect of free and popular governments. But there is great danger that those governments will not… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Property is surely a right of mankind as real as liberty. Perhaps, at first, prejudice, habit, shame or fear, principle or religion,… — John Adams Copy Share Image
[D]emocracy will soon degenerate into an anarchy, such an anarchy that every man will do what is right in his own eyes… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist. But if unlimited or unbalanced power of disposing property, be put into the hands… — John Adams Copy Share Image
And liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people who have a right from the frame of their nature… — John Adams Copy Share Image
[A] republic . . . [is] a government, in which the property of the public, or people, and of every one of… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Historically, usury was defined as any interest whatever on an unproductive loan.Our whole banking system I have ever abhorred, I continue to abhor, and… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“Daughter! Get you an honest Man for a Husband, and keep him honest. No matter whether he is rich, provided he be independent. Regard… — John Adams Copy Share Image
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity — John Adams Copy Share Image
We may... affirm that the balance of power in a society accompanies the balance of property in land. The only possible way, then, of… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“The longer I live, the more I read, the more patiently I think, and the more anxiously I inquire, the less I seem to… — John Adams Copy Share Image
But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“Upon common theaters, indeed, the applause of the audience is of more importance to the actors than their own aprobation. But upon the stage… — John Adams Copy Share Image
There are only two creatures of value on the face of the earth: those with the commitment, and those who require the commitment of… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or… — John Adams Copy Share Image
During the whole time I sat with him in Congress, I never heard him utter three sentences together. — John Adams Copy Share Image
Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all government and in… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for public service. — John Adams Copy Share Image