--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Even mighty states and kingdoms are not…" description: "\"“Even mighty states and kingdoms are not exempted. If we look into history, we shall find some nations rising from contemptible beginnings and spreadin..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d46/john-adams-529_history_even-mighty-states-and-kingdoms-are-not_979400.jpg" --- # Even mighty states and kingdoms are not exempted. If we… ![“Even mighty states and kingdoms are not exempted. If we look into history, we shall find some nations rising from contemptible beginnings and spreading their influence, until the whole globe is subjected to their ways. When they have reached the summit of grandeur, some minute and unsuspected…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d46/john-adams-529_history_even-mighty-states-and-kingdoms-are-not_979400.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d46/john-adams-529_history_even-mighty-states-and-kingdoms-are-not_979400.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d46/john-adams-529_history_even-mighty-states-and-kingdoms-are-not_979400.jpg) > ““Even mighty states and kingdoms are not exempted. If we look into history, we shall find some nations rising from contemptible beginnings and spreading their influence, until the whole globe is subjected to their ways. When they have reached the summit of grandeur, some minute and unsuspected cause commonly affects their ruin, and the empire of the world is transferred to some other place. Immortal Rome was at first but an insignificant village, inhabited only by a few abandoned ruffians, but by degrees it rose to a stupendous height, and excelled in arts and arms all the nations that preceded it. But the demolition of Carthage (what one should think should have established is in supreme dominion) by removing all danger, suffered it to sink into debauchery, and made it at length an easy prey to Barbarians. England immediately upon this began to increase (the particular and minute cause of which I am not historian enough to trace) in power and magnificence, and is now the greatest nation upon the globe. Soon after the reformation a few people came over into the new world for conscience sake. Perhaps this (apparently) trivial incident may transfer the great seat of empire into America. It looks likely to me. For if we can remove the turbulent Gallics, our people according to exactest computations, will in another century, become more numerous than England itself. Should this be the case, since we have (I may say) all the naval stores of the nation in our hands, it will be easy to obtain the mastery of the seas, and then the united force of all Europe will not be able to subdue us. The only way to keep us from setting up for ourselves is to disunite us. Divide et impera. Keep us in distinct colonies, and then, some great men from each colony, desiring the monarchy of the whole, they will destroy each others' influence and keep the country in equilibrio. Be not surprised that I am turned into politician. The whole town is immersed in politics.”” [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. Historical cycles show empires rise from modest origins, reach greatness, then fall due to unforeseen causes; vigilance and unity are essential to sustain power. **In simple terms:** Empires grow, peak, and decline; unity prevents downfall. Key Takeaway Maintain cohesion to avoid empire’s collapse. Themes history politics imperial rise unity strategic foresight Mood cautious analytical Type historical philosophical When to use this quote - national policy - education curricula - strategic planning - foreign relations Key Concepts political theory cyclical history geopolitics Questions to Reflect On - How can societies balance unity with healthy dissent? - What modern factors could trigger a civilization’s decline? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on unity may suppress dissent and innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Carthage Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/carthage-think-1933199/) [Colonies Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/colonies-great-264805/) [Great men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-men/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [History Shall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history-shall-1279006/) [Nations Preceded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nations-preceded-1933200/) [Nations Rising](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nations-rising-422423/) ## Related quotes > [Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/throughout-our-history-the-words-of-the-declaration-have-inspired/) [George W. 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If we look into history, we shall find some nations rising from contemptible beginnings and spreading their influence, until the whole globe is subjected to their ways. When they have reached the summit of grandeur, some minute and unsuspected cause commonly affects their ruin, and the empire of the world is transferred to some other place. Immortal Rome was at first but an insignificant village, inhabited only by a few abandoned ruffians, but by degrees it rose to a stupendous height, and excelled in arts and arms all the nations that preceded it. But the demolition of Carthage (what one should think should have established is in supreme dominion) by removing all danger, suffered it to sink into debauchery, and made it at length an easy prey to Barbarians. England immediately upon this began to increase (the particular and minute cause of which I am not historian enough to trace) in power and magnificence, and is now the greatest nation upon the globe. Soon after the reformation a few people came over into the new world for conscience sake. Perhaps this (apparently) trivial incident may transfer the great seat of empire into America. It looks likely to me. For if we can remove the turbulent Gallics, our people according to exactest computations, will in another century, become more numerous than England itself. Should this be the case, since we have (I may say) all the naval stores of the nation in our hands, it will be easy to obtain the mastery of the seas, and then the united force of all Europe will not be able to subdue us. The only way to keep us from setting up for ourselves is to disunite us. Divide et impera. Keep us in distinct colonies, and then, some great men from each colony, desiring the monarchy of the whole, they will destroy each others' influence and keep the country in equilibrio. Be not surprised that I am turned into politician. 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