We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A true friend of a nation's freedom promotes virtue and ensures only the wise and good hold power.
In this quote, Samuel Adams articulates that genuine friendship to the principles of liberty encompasses the responsibility to advocate for moral excellence within society. He emphasizes that to safeguard the nation's freedom, individuals should strive to ensure that only virtuous and wise persons are entrusted with positions of power and responsibility, as their virtues are vital for true liberty to thrive.
Themes
LibertyVirtueFriendshipPowerTrust
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be a powerful reminder during a political campaign to emphasize the importance of integrity in candidates.
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
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!
Samuel AdamsRead
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