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The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the law of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence.

John Adams

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John Adams
Age: 90 †
Born: 1735
Born: October 19
Died: 1826
Died: July 4
2Nd U.S. President
Diplomat
Lawyer
Political Philosopher
Politician
Statesperson
Braintree
Massachusetts
President Adams
J. Adams
President John Adams
Idea
Property
Admitted
Force
Protect
Anarchy
Moments
Liberty
Founders
Ideas
Public
Founding
Justice
Tyranny
Law
Economics
Society
Capitalism
Moment
Sacred
Commence

More quotes by John Adams

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[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.
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Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.
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I never engaged in public affairs for my own interest, pleasure, envy, jealousy, avarice or ambition, or even the desire of fame
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The right of a nation to kill a tyrant, in cases of necessity, can no more be doubted, than to hang a robber, or kill a flea. But killing one tyrant only makes way for worse, unless the people have sense, spirit and honesty enough to establish and support a constitution guarded at all points against the tyranny of the one, the few, and the many.
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One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three is a Congress.
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Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.
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While all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill - little better understood, little better practiced now than three or four thousand years ago.
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Grief drives men into habits of serious reflection, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart
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Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws.
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The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.
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I will insist that the Hebrews have done more to civilize man than any other nation.
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The way to secure liberty is to place it in the people's hands, that is, to give them the power at all times to defend it in the legislature and in the courts of justice.
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Power in any Form . . . when directed only by human Wisdom and Benevolence is dangerous.
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When you see a good move, sit on your hands and find a better one.
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To believe all men honest is folly. To believe none is something worse.
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I consider a decent respect for Christianity among the best recommendations for public service.
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The rights of Englishmen are derived from God, not from king or Parliament, and would be secured by the study of history, law, and tradition.
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I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth.
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I desire no other inscription over my gravestone than: 'Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of peace with France in the year 1800'.
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The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now. They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty.
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