Quotes by John Adams

Explore a curated collection of 36 quotes by John Adams. Discover timeless wisdom, insightful thoughts, and memorable words that have inspired readers around the world. Browse through the gallery below and click on any quote to read more.

A government of laws, and not of men — John Adams
A government of laws, and not of men. — John Adams
In esse I am nothing in posse I am everything. — John Adams
Every man in it is a great man an orator a critic a statesman and therefore every man upon every question must show — John Adams
If I had refused to institute a negotiation or had not persevered in it I would have been degraded in my own estimation — John Adams
I must study politics and war that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy geography natural — John Adams
Swim or sink live or die survive or perish with my country was my unalterable determination. — John Adams
player: Can I reach it with a five iron? caddie: Eventually. — John Adams
Had I been chosen president again I am certain I could not have lived another year. — John Adams
The four most miserable years of my life . . . — John Adams
Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a — John Adams
When people talk of the freedom of writing, speaking or thinking I cannot choose but laugh. No such thing ever existed. — John Adams
I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. — John Adams
Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war. — John Adams
All the perplexities, confusion and distress in America arise, not from defects in their Constitution or Confederation, — John Adams
Old minds are like old horses you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order. — John Adams
The happiness of society is the end of government. — John Adams
The Declaration of Independence I always considered as a theatrical show. Jefferson ran away with all the stage effect o — John Adams
Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws. — John Adams
Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position i — John Adams