His face is livid, gaunt his whole body, his breath is green with gall; his tongue drips poison.
John Quincy AdamsRead
America... goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes America's role in promoting freedom and independence rather than seeking to impose power abroad.
John Quincy Adams' quote reflects the idea that America should not pursue aggressive actions against other nations but instead serve as a supporter of liberty and self-determination worldwide. It suggests a vision of the United States as a beacon of hope for freedom, advocating for the rights of all people rather than engaging in imperialistic endeavors.
Themes
FreedomIndependenceSupportPhilosophyPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech, discussing the values of a global community.
More from John Quincy Adams
All quotes βAlways vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.
John Quincy AdamsRead
It is among the evils of slavery that it taints the very sources of moral principle. It establishes false estimates of virtue and vice: for what can be more false and heartless than this doctrine which makes the first and holiest rights of humanity to depend upon the color of the skin?
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The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.
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I have no predilection for unpopularity as such, but I hold it much preferable to the popularity of a day, which perishes with the transient topic upon which it is grounded.
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According to the Stoics, all vice was resolvable into folly: according to the Christian principle, it is all the effect of weakness.
John Quincy AdamsRead
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