John Adams quotes - page 7

I am surprised at the suddenness as well as the greatness of this revolution... It is the will of Heaven that the two countries should be sundered forever. (John Adams)
What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760–1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington. View quote
John Adams
There is something very unnatural and odious in a government a thousand leagues off. View quote
John Adams
Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand. View quote
John Adams
I am therefore utterly averse to the admission of Slavery into the Missouri Territory. View quote
John Adams
The science of government it is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take the place of, indeed exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that our sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. View quote
John Adams
It must be made a sacred maxim, that the militia obey the executive power, which represents the whole people in the execution of laws. View quote
John Adams
Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. View quote
John Adams
There are two tyrants in human life who domineer in all nations, in Indians and Negroes, in Tartars and Arabs, in Hindoos and Chinese, in Greeks and Romans, in Britons and Gauls, as well as in our simple, youthful, and beloved United States of America. These two tyrants are fashion and party. View quote
John Adams
I have not one drop of blood in my veins but what is American. View quote
John Adams
I was delighted with its high tone and the flights of oratory with which it abounded, especially that concerning negro slavery, which, though I knew his Southern brethren would never suffer to pass in Congress, I certainly never would oppose. (John Adams)
We ought to consider what is the end of government, before we determine which is the best form. View quote
John Adams
Remember the frank Veteran acknowledges, that "the word rebel is a convertible term." View quote
John Adams
Although I have never sought popularity by any animated speeches or inflammatory publications against the slavery of the blacks, my opinion against it has always been known, and my practice has been so conformable to my sentiments that I have always employed freemen, both as domestics and laborers, and never in my life did I own a slave. The abolition of slavery must be gradual, and accomplished with much caution and circumspection. Violent means and measures would produce greater violations of justice and humanity than the continuance of the practice. View quote
John Adams
I have long wondered that the original draught has not been published. I suppose the reason is, the vehement philippic against negro slavery. View quote
John Adams
Human nature with all its infirmities and depravation is still capable of great things. View quote
John Adams
The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations. ... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution. View quote
John Adams
The poor people, it is true, have been much less successful than the great. View quote
John Adams
I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved - the Cross. View quote
John Adams
But what do we mean by the American Revolution? View quote
John Adams
Tis impossible to judge with much Præcision of the true Motives and Qualities of human Actions, or of the Propriety of Rules contrived to govern them, without considering with like Attention, all the Passions, Appetites, Affections in Nature from which they flow. (John Adams)
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence, were ... the general principles of Christianity, in which all those sects were united, and the general principles of English and American liberty, in which all those young men united, and which had united all parties in America, in majorities sufficient to assert and maintain her independence. View quote
John Adams
Opposition, nay, open, avowed resistance by arms, against usurpation and lawless violence, is not rebellion by the law of God or the land. View quote
John Adams
I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. View quote
John Adams
Tyranny can scarcely be practised upon a virtuous and wise people. View quote
John Adams