Skip to content

Desire Quote by John Quincy Adams

“The magistrate is the servant not of his own desires, not even of the people, but of his God” quote by John Quincy Adams
Download Open image
“The magistrate is the servant not of his own desires, not even of the people, but of his God”

John Quincy Adams

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the House of Representatives, 1815

A magistrate must serve higher law, not personal desire or popular pressure, aligning duty with divine principle.

In simple terms: Serve law, not self or crowd.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize higher duty.

Themes

law ethics leadership

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • courtroom decisions
  • government policy
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

public service divine authority moral duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conscience with law?
  • What higher principles guide your duties?
A Different Perspective

Human bias can still influence decisions.

3.9 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by John Quincy Adams

Explore all 186 John Quincy Adams quotes

More Desire quotes

Browse all 15,155 Desire quotes