Acquire Quote by John Adams
“[A] republic . . . [is] a government, in which the property of the public, or people, and of every one of them was secure and protected by law . . . implies liberty; because property cannot be secured unless the man be at liberty to acquire, use or part with it, at his discretion, and unless he have his personal liberty of life and limb, motion and rest, for that purpose.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Thoughts on Government, John Adams, 1776
A government that protects public property and personal freedoms is essential for liberty.
In simple terms: Secure property and personal liberty are linked.
Protect property and personal freedoms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public policy
- legal frameworks
- civil rights
- land ownership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does property security affect personal freedom?
- What laws best ensure both?
If property is not protected, liberty may be compromised.