There is but one element of government, and that is the people. From this element spring all governments. For a nation to be free, it is only necessary that she will it. For a nation to be slave, it is only necessary that she wills it.
John Adams Quotes
The people are in their nature so gentle, that there never was a government yet in which thousands of mistakes were not overlooked. The most sensible and jealous people are so little attentive to government, that there are no instances of resistance, until repeated, multiplied oppressions have placed it beyond a doubt, that their rulers […]
In demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to infer that we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for war can alone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and perseveringly cultivated.
Honesty, sincerity, and openness I esteem essential marks of a good mind. I am, therefore, of opinion that men ought, (after they have examined with unbiased judgments every system of religion, and chosen one system, on their own authority, for themselves), to avow their opinions and defend them with boldness.
On June 17, 1826, Daniel Webster visited the ninety-year-old man in Quincy, Massachusetts. It was a hot day, and he found the former President lying on the sofa, being fanned by one of his relatives. “I hope the President is well today,” ventured Webster, “No, I don’t know, Mr. Webster,” returned Adams; “I have lived […]
The abuses of the press are notorious… License of the press is no proof of liberty. When a people are corrupted, the press may be made an engine to complete their ruin… Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence, than the body can live and move without a soul.
Our form of government, inestimable as it is, exposes us, more than any other, to the insidious intrigues and pestilent influence of foreign nations. Nothing but our inflexible neutrality can preserve us.
Inequalities of mind and body are so established by God Almighty, in his constitution of human nature, that no art or policy can ever plane them down to a level.
“Ignorance and inconsideration are the two great causes of the ruin of mankind.” (John Tillotson) This… with relation to the interest of… men in a future and immortal. But it is of equal truth and importance if applied to the happiness of men in society.
He created this speck of dirt and the human species for his glory; and with deliberate design of making nine-tenths of our species miserable for ever for his glory. This is the doctrine of Christian theologians, in general, ten to one. Now, my friend, can prophecies or miracles convince you or me that infinite benevolence, […]
