Power is poison. Its effect on Presidents has been always tragic, chiefly as an almost indecent excitement at first, and a worse reaction afterwards; but also because no mind is so well balanced as to bear the strain of seizing… — Henry Adams Copy Share
I am fairly tired--bored beyond endurance--by the world we live in, and its ideals, and am ready to say so, not violently, but kindly,… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
“One had heard and read a great deal about death, and even seen a little of it, and knew by heart the thousand commonplaces of religion and poetry which seemed to deaden one's senses and veil the horror. Society being immortal, could put on immortality at will. Adams being mortal, felt only the mortality. Death took features altogether new to… — Henry Adams Copy Share
The chief wonder of education is that it does not ruin everybody concerned in it, teachers and taught. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
The American President resembles the commander of a ship at sea. He must have a helm to grasp, a course to steer, a port… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
The proof that a philosopher does not know what he is talking about is apt to sadden his followers before it reacts on himself. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
No man should be in politics unless he would honestly rather not be there. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
In the history of the United States, there is no continuity at all. You can cut through it anywhere and nothing on this side… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
“Washington was no politician as we understand the word," replied Ratcliffe abruptly. "He stood outside of politics. The thing couldn't be done today. The… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
If I grapple with sin in my own strength, the devil knows he may go to sleep. — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
All State education is a sort of dynamo machine for polarizing the popular mind; for turning and holding its lines of force in the… — Henry Adams Copy Share Image
