We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
For my own part, I have been wont to converse with poverty; and however disagreeable a companion she may be thought to be by the affluent and luxurious, who were never acquainted with her, I can live happily with her the remainder of my life if I can thereby contribute to the redemption of my country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea that one can find peace and purpose even in difficult situations, such as poverty, if it serves a greater good.
Samuel Adams reflects on the value of embracing hardship, specifically poverty, as a means of contributing to a larger cause—his country's redemption. He suggests that while many may reject poverty as unpleasant, it can actually be a companion that leads to personal fulfillment, especially when one is dedicated to a noble purpose.
Themes
PovertyRedemptionCountrySacrificePurpose
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one might quote Adams to emphasize the value of working through hardship for a greater cause.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
Samuel AdamsRead
If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
Samuel AdamsRead
Let no man thirst for good beer.
Samuel AdamsRead
He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel AdamsRead
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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