“Tyranny can scarcely be practised upon a virtuous and wise people.”

— John Adams, Diary entry (31 July 1796)

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.”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“Remember that all is opinion.”

“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered.”

“Beauty is the mark God sets upon virtue.”

“Truth also has its roof, and bed, and board.”

“Heartily know, when half-gods go, the gods arrive.”