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 happiness of society is the end of government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The main goal of government should be to ensure the happiness of its citizens.
John Adams asserts that the ultimate purpose of government is to foster the well-being and happiness of society. This reflects the idea that governments should prioritize the needs and happiness of the people they serve, positioning societal welfare as a fundamental objective of governance.
Themes
HappinessGovernmentSocietyWell-BeingWelfare
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic responsibility, one might say, 'As John Adams said, the happiness of society is the end of government, highlighting our duty to contribute to the greater good.'
More from John Adams
All quotes βProperty monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
John AdamsRead
Let 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
Similar quotes
If we live in a perpetual state of outrage, Trump wins. Because when we become depleted and exhausted and sapped of our energy, we're not as resourceful, creative, or effective.
Arianna HuffingtonRead
There is nothing so deep and nothing so shallow which political enmity will not turn to account.
John Quincy AdamsRead
Terrorism doesn't just blow up buildings; it blasts every other issue off the political map. The spectre of terrorism - real and exaggerated - has become a shield of impunity, protecting governments around the world from scrutiny for their human rights abuses.
Naomi KleinRead
Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent.
Samuel JohnsonRead
As we speak, Iran has rolled back its nuclear program, shipped out its uranium stockpile, and the world has avoided another war.
Barack ObamaRead
When a party is in opposition, it opposes. That's its job. But when it comes to power, it must govern. Easy rhetoric is over, the press of reality becomes irresistible. By necessity, it adopts some of the policies it had once denounced. And a new national consensus is born.
Charles KrauthammerRead