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
[L]iberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty is a fundamental right that must be defended, and it has been earned through the sacrifices of those who came before us.
In this quote, John Adams emphasizes the importance of liberty as an inherent right that must be upheld at all costs. He acknowledges that even if this right were not naturally endowed, the sacrifices made by previous generations in terms of their comfort, wealth, happiness, and even lives have earned it for us, thus reinforcing the moral obligation to protect and cherish our freedom.
Themes
LibertyFreedomSacrificeRightsInheritance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of civic engagement, one could quote John Adams to inspire active participation in defending our liberties.
More from John Adams
All quotes →Property 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
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