Property monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
John AdamsRead
Admire and adore the Author of the telescopic universe, love and esteem the work, do all in your power to lessen ill, and increase good, but never assume to comprehend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appreciate the beauty and complexity of the universe while striving to improve it, recognizing that complete understanding is beyond human grasp.
In this quote, John Adams emphasizes the importance of reverence for the creator of the universe and the awe-inspiring complexity it presents. He encourages individuals to actively contribute to the betterment of society by reducing suffering and enhancing goodness, yet reminds us that true comprehension of the universe's intricacies may always elude us, highlighting the humility we should maintain in the face of such vastness.
Themes
UniverseUnderstandingGoodnessHumilityReverence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of science and exploration, one might quote John Adams to emphasize our need to appreciate the universe's complexity.
More from John Adams
All quotes βLet us dare to read, think, speak and write.
John AdamsRead
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John AdamsRead
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John AdamsRead
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
John AdamsRead
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
John AdamsRead
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Every one speaks well of his own heart, but no one dares speak well of his own mind.
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Pakistanis can't trust. They've seen in history that people, particularly politicians, are corrupt. And they're misguided by people in the name of Islam. They're told: 'Malala is not a Muslim, she's not in purdah, she's working for America.'
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Better guilt than the terrible burden of freedom and responsibility.
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The mistake made by all previous systems of ethics has been the failure to recognize that life as such is the mysterious value with which they have to deal. All spiritual life meets us within natural life. Reverence for life, therefore, is applied to natural life and spiritual life alike. In the parable of Jesus, the shepherd saves not merely the soul of the lost sheep but the whole animal. The stronger the reverence for natural life, the stronger grows also that for spiritual life.
Albert SchweitzerRead