QuoteProject
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.
John Adams
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The pursuit of knowledge in peaceful fields relies on sacrifices made in the realm of politics and conflict.

This quote by John Adams emphasizes the importance of understanding the harsh realities of politics and war to secure a future where subsequent generations can engage in the peaceful and intellectual pursuits of subjects like mathematics and philosophy. It highlights the sacrifices necessary to achieve a society where freedom and intellectual growth can flourish.

Themes

PoliticsWarLibertyEducationSacrifice

In practice

Example use cases

In a school debate about the importance of history education, this quote can illustrate the need for understanding our past.

More from John Adams

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
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

Similar quotes

In our relationship with children and young people, we are not dealing with mechanical devices that can be quickly repaired, but with living beings who are impressionable, volatile, sensitive, afraid, affectionate; and to deal with them we have to have great understanding, the strength of patience and love.
Jiddu KrishnamurtiRead
You have little representation of young black men in the business sector, so you have children growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods who don't hear discussions at the dinner table about what goes on in business. It's almost as if we have two nations.
Edmund PhelpsRead
People often believe that character causes action, but when it comes to producing moral children, we need to remember that action also shapes character.
Adam GrantRead
Early intervention programs enrich adverse family environments. The largest effects of the early intervention programs are on noncognitive traits. Now, what do I mean by that? I mean perseverance, motivation, self-esteem, and hard work.
James HeckmanRead
'Charlotte's Web,' which I read sitting on my mother's lap, was the most emotional experience: that was when I made the leap from seeing how to untangle words to realizing how books both contain and convey strong feelings.
Meg WolitzerRead
Recommend virtue to your children; it alone, not money, can make them happy. I speak from experience.
Ludwig Van BeethovenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by John Adams | QuoteProject