---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A native of America who cannot read or…"
description: "\"A native of America who cannot read or write is . . . as rare as a comet or an earthquake.\" — John Adams"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc9/john-adams-529_america_a-native-of-america-who-cannot-read-or-w_700374.jpg"
---

#  A native of America who cannot read or write is . . . as…

![“A native of America who cannot read or write is . . . as rare as a comet or an earthquake.” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc9/john-adams-529_america_a-native-of-america-who-cannot-read-or-w_700374.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc9/john-adams-529_america_a-native-of-america-who-cannot-read-or-w_700374.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/fc9/john-adams-529_america_a-native-of-america-who-cannot-read-or-w_700374.jpg)

> “A native of America who cannot read or write is . . . as rare as a comet or an earthquake.”

[John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Illiteracy among Native Americans was considered extremely rare, likened to extraordinary natural events.

**In simple terms:** Native Americans rarely could illiterate.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of literacy.

Themes

education culture misconceptions

Mood

reflective critical

Type

historical sociocultural

When to use this quote

- historical analysis
- education policy
- cultural studies

Key Concepts

colonialism cultural bias

Questions to Reflect On

- How does this view affect modern perceptions of indigenous peoples?
- What historical factors influenced literacy?

A Different Perspective

Literacy rates varied widely; this statement reflects stereotypes.

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