Ambitious Quote by John Adams
“Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true, in fact, and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of simple government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Massachusetts General Court, 1775
Democracy, if unchecked, leads to corruption, waste, and self-destruction, similar to other regimes.
In simple terms: Democracy can become corrupt and self‑destructive.
Key Takeaway
Guard institutions and civic virtue.
Themes
politics
corruption
human nature
government
democracy
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- public policy formation
- citizen activism
- education reform
Key Concepts
civic responsibility
checks and balances
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent democratic decay?
- What safeguards best protect democratic health?
A Different Perspective
Democracy can thrive with strong safeguards and active citizen participation.
![“I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e34/john-adams-529_affair_i-will-insist-the-hebrews-have-contribut_104004.jpg)
