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 right of a nation to kill a tyrant in case of necessity can no more be doubted than to hang a robber, or kill a flea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Adams argues that a nation has the inherent right to remove oppressive rulers, just as one has the right to defend oneself against lesser evils.
This quote by John Adams emphasizes the moral justification for a nation to act against a tyrant when necessary, drawing a parallel between the elimination of a tyrant and the defense against smaller threats such as robbers or pests. It suggests that just as society condones the removal of immediate dangers for the greater good, so too does it support actions against more grievous injustices perpetrated by tyrants.
Themes
TyrantNationJusticeNecessityAuthorityRebellion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for democracy, one might refer to Adams' quote to highlight the moral duty of a people to rise against oppressive regimes.
More from John Adams
All quotes βProperty 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.
John AdamsRead
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
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