John Adams

"Books are the quiet repositories of great thoughts and feelings, the faithful keepers of human experience."

"The desire of accumulating wealth and its bad effects on the human heart is sometimes beyond my comprehension."

"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America."

"If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?"

"The mind and spirit elevate the character of man."

"Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!"

"Let us not be weary in well doing."

"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties."

"One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress."

"Virtue is not always amiable."

"The happiness of mankind is the end of the institution of government."

"What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it."

"Patience will achieve more with time than force will achieve with rage."

"Ignorance itself is more dangerous than Satan himself."

"I read and read, and read until I have read myself asleep at my books."

"The dignity of human nature requires the cultivation of intellectual powers."

"The greatest evil that can befall a free people is to be submitted to laws made by those in whom they have not confidence."

"Those who are slow to promise are the most faithful in the performance of their promises."

"Credulous and gullible people are a danger to their own freedom."

"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were general principles of Christianity."

"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just to enjoy your ice cream while it is on your plate."

"The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government."

"Great virtues and vices must be the character of a man or woman of talents."

"The British seem to think the only thing that is necessary to bind the American people together is a good hiding."

"If we are not careful the very foundations of our nation can crumble from within."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, the moment anarchy begins."

"The habit of reading is the foundation of all moral and intellectual excellence."

"Those entrusted with arms should be an armed citizenry."