“The furnace of affliction produces refinement in states as well as individuals.”

— John Adams, Letter to Abigail Adams (3 July 1776)

About John Adams

1735 – 1826

Second President of the United States and a leading figure of the American Revolution.

“There is, in the human breast, a social affection, which extends to our whole species.”

“Education makes a greater difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and brute.”

“A pen is certainly an excellent instrument to fix a man's attention and to inflame his ambition.”

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”