Property monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
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
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.
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
Similar quotes
I don't think people by nature are extremists. You will never find a population of extremists. Extremists have existed throughout the centuries on all religions. And what happens is, extremists start to have more leverage when the situation is bad.
To a gargoyle on the ramparts of Notre Dame as Esmeralda rides off with Gringoire Quasimodo says. "Why was I not made of stone like thee?
Man marks the earth with ruin - his control stops with the shore.
It seems to be the fate of idealists to obtain what they have struggled for in a form which destroys their ideals.
Remember, it is not your weakness that will get in the way of God's working through you, but your delusions of strength. His strength is made perfect in our weakness! Point to His strength by being willing to admit your weakness.
[P]erhaps you notice how the denial is so often the preface to the justification.