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
Nothing is more dreaded than the national government meddling with religion. — John Adams Copy Share Image
We must not then depend alone upon the love of liberty in the soul of man for its preservation. — John Adams Copy Share Image
No man who ever held the office of president would congratulate a friend on obtaining it. — John Adams Copy Share Image
To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders… — 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
The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there… — 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
It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great Creator… — John Adams Copy Share Image
I shall have liberty to think for myself without molesting others or being molested myself. — 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
The dons, the bashaws, the grandees, the patricians, the sachems, the nabobs, call them by what names you please, sigh and groan… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Thus, experience has ever shown, that education, as well as religion, aristocracy, as well as democracy and monarchy, are, singly, totally inadequate… — John Adams Copy Share Image
We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics. There must be a… — John Adams Copy Share Image
The proposition that the people are the best keepers of their own liberties is not true. They are the worst conceivable, they… — John Adams Copy Share Image
“Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom. Aristotle speaks plainly to this purpose, saying, 'that the institution of… — John Adams Copy Share Image
Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.… — 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
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
Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence than the body can live and move without a soul. — 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