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.
John AdamsRead
The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A free government is defined by its ability to regulate competing interests.
John Adams emphasizes that the core principle of a free government lies in its capacity to manage and balance the competing rivalries among different groups or interests within society. This control is vital to prevent any one faction from overpowering others, thereby ensuring a fair and just governance that upholds liberty for all citizens.
Themes
Free GovernmentControlRivalriesBalanceLiberty
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to highlight the importance of governance in managing interests.
More from John Adams
All quotes βProperty monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
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Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
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There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
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Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
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The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
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