Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. John Adams
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. John Adams
I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth. John Adams
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. John Adams
Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society. John Adams
Fear is the foundation of most governments. John Adams
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. John Adams
Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. John Adams
Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics. John Adams
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. John Adams
Grief drives men to serious reflection, sharpens the understanding and softens the heart. John Adams
Power must never be trusted without a check. John Adams
The jaws of power are always opened to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing. John Adams
In politics the middle way is none at all. John Adams
My country has in its wisdom contrived for me the most insignificant office that ever the invention of man contrived or his imagination conceived. John Adams (on vice-presidency)