John Adams

"Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."

"Idleness is an appendage of nobility in some countries, but in America it is the badge of shame."

"Facts are stubborn things; whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

"The happiness of society is the end of government."

"Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds."

"You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket."

"The law, in all vicissitudes of government, labour, and tumult, is not always strictly observed; nor are the inflexible rules of right reason at all times rigidly adhered to by those possessed of power."

"Remember that you are a human being with the same rights as everyone else, but not more."

"The only thing worse than a blind horse is a blind horse pulling a wagon."

"There is nothing so amiable as true modesty, and nothing so contemptible as false pride."

"The nature of the injury is to be estimated by the nature of the power that inflicts it."

"How few of the human race have ever possessed the requisite qualifications to command."

"The human species is composed of two sorts of people."

"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write."

"Power naturally and necessarily follows property."

"The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible."

"Grief drives men into habits of serious reflection, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart."

"All that I am I owe to my mother."

"The Constitution shall never be construed to authorize Congress to suppress freedom of the press."

"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people."

"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in this government, we may well despair that our country is lost."

"The remedy for this defect in our constitution is to be sought for in that provision which gives the right of suffrage to every citizen."

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."

"There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live."

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

"A law should be as brief as possible, but not more."

"I would quarrel with my best friend if he accused me of having committed a dishonorable act."

"The institution of delegated power implies that there is a portion of virtue and honor among mankind."

"Science must have originated in the desire to ameliorate the condition of man."

"Integrity and firmness is all I can promise; these, be the voyage long or short, shall never be abandoned."