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
All the perplexities, confusion and distress in America arise, not from defects in their Constitution or Confederation, not from want of honor or virtue, so much as from the downright ignorance of the nature of coin, credit and circulation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The challenges faced in America are rooted in a lack of understanding of financial systems rather than flaws in governance or morality.
John Adams emphasizes that the societal issues in America stem from a widespread ignorance regarding financial concepts such as money, credit, and circulation. This suggests that a well-informed citizenry is crucial for the effective functioning of a society and its governance, indicating that knowledge and education in economic principles are essential for overcoming national difficulties.
Themes
IgnoranceEconomicsCreditMoneySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about economic literacy, one might quote John Adams to highlight the importance of understanding finance.
More from John Adams
All quotes →Property 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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