“The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.”

— Abigail Adams, Letter to John Quincy Adams, 19 January 1780

About Abigail Adams

1744 – 1818

American First Lady and prolific letter writer, wife of John Adams.

“How few have souls capable of so noble an undertaking!”

“I wish most sincerely there was not a slave in this province.”

“Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.”

“Any one thing in the creation is sufficient to demonstrate a Providence to an humble and grateful mind.”

“Why, what is weeping and sighing? A judgement. What is misfortune? A judgement.”

“For God made all mankind to be happy, to be serene.”

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”

“Remember that all is opinion.”