His face is livid, gaunt his whole body, his breath is green with gall; his tongue drips poison.
John Quincy AdamsRead
Among the sentiments of most powerful operation upon the human heart, and most highly honorable to the human character, are those of veneration for our forefathers and of love for our posterity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of respecting our ancestors and caring for future generations.
John Quincy Adams highlights a profound emotional connection that humans have with both their ancestors and their future descendants. The veneration for forefathers signifies a deep respect for the values and sacrifices that shaped our lives, while love for our posterity underscores a commitment to ensuring a better future for those who come after us. Together, these sentiments speak to the continuity of human experience and the responsibilities we carry across generations.
Themes
VenerationForefathersPosterityLoveResilienceLegacy
In practice
Example use cases
During a family reunion speech, one might quote this to honor the family legacy.
More from John Quincy Adams
All quotes →Always 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?
John Quincy AdamsRead
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.
John Quincy AdamsRead
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.
John Quincy AdamsRead
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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