The Founding Fathers were some of the greatest minds of their generation. Their knowledge and insights not only put the structure in place for what became the greatest country in the world, but their influence continues to inspire Americans today.
John Adams was one of the most intellectual, well-read Founding Fathers we had, and his intellect continues to inspire greatness within American citizens who want to see the country reach those heights once envisioned by the people who started it all.
Essential John Adams Quotes
"Always stand on principle... even if you stand alone."
This quote from John Adams is timeless. More than ever, there are outside influences that try to make us sway from our principles, from those core beliefs we maintain. Staying true to your principles takes real strength.
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
This might be Adams' most famous quote. Facts really are stubborn things, aren't they? No matter how much certain people try to run from them, the facts come for us all in the end.
"You will ever remember that all the end of study is to make you a good man and a useful citizen."
The Founding Fathers the republic to be comprised of a well-informed citizenry. While that's a goal that sometimes remains elusive to this day, part of our duty as American citizens is to seek out knowledge and use that to best improve the prospects of our families and the community that surrounds us.
"When legislature is corrupted, the people are undone."
When was the last time you truly felt Congress was acting in your best interests? When we've got giant corporations writing the bills that get passed into law, there are levels of corruption at play not even the Founding Fathers could have predicted.
"Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide."
We as Americans must always be aware how tenuous how foothold as a democracy really can be.
"Power must never be trusted without a check."
As you know, this is the bedrock of our democracy. The system of checks and balances in the American government ensures - at least, that's the hope - there could be no such thing as a king or true oligarch dictator in the United States. Though there are many parties that aim to dismantle or chip away at the balancing power of our governmental branches, the structure has proven to be resilient over the years.
“To be good, and to do good, is all we have to do.”
Succinct and powerful in its lasting legacy, this is what all Americans should strive for in their lives. Do right by yourself and your family; do right by your community, your country, and the rest will fall into place.
"Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."
What could be a more important thing to always remember? We as Americans can never take our freedoms for granted and we must always fight to defend that liberty.
More of the Top John Adams Quotes
"Let us dare to read, think, speak and write."
"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."
"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people."
"Liberty, according to my metaphysics is a self-determining power in an intellectual agent. It implies thought and choice and power."
"The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing."
"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty."
"Thanks to God that he gave me stubbornness when I know I am right."
"Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order."
"I am determined to control events, not be controlled by them."
"Fear is the foundation of most governments."
"A government of laws, and not of men."
"The way to secure liberty is to place it in the people’s hands, that is, to give them the power at all times to defend it in the legislature and in the courts of justice."
"There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt."
"Go on and improve in everything worthy."
"I read my eyes out and can't read half enough... the more one reads the more one sees we have to read."
"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."
"There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty."
Sources:
http://www.john-adams-heritage.com/quotes/
https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/knowledge-of-men/the-best-john-adams-quotes/
