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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.

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
Freedom
Foundation
Upon
Constitution
Free
Pure
Religion
Principles
Securely
Stand
Founders
Virtue
Founding
Liberty
Establish
Alone
Morality

More quotes by John Adams

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Resistance to sudden violence, for the preservation not only of my person, my limbs, and life, but of my property, is an indisputable right of nature which I have never surrendered to the public by the compact of society, and which perhaps, I could not surrender if I would.
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You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket.
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I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened means, and my busy life, would allow and the result is that the Bible is the best Book in the world. It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen.
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Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.
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When you see a good move, sit on your hands and find a better one.
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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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I would quarrel with both parties, and with every individual of each, before I would subjugate my understanding, or prostitute my tongue or pen to either.
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We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!
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A government of laws, and not of men.
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The numbers of men in all ages have preferred ease, slumber, and good cheer to liberty, when they have been in competition.
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Riches attract attention, consideration, and congratulations of mankind.
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Virtue is not always amiable.
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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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Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence than the body can live and move without a soul.
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There are only two creatures of value on the face of the earth: those with the commitment, and those who require the commitment of others.
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Always stand on principle even if you stand alone.
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Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear and imagination - everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.
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It is folly to anticipate evils, and madness to create imaginary ones.
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Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.
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[You have Rights] antecedent to all earthly governments: Rights, that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws Rights, derived from the Great Legislator of the universe.
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