The voices / 19 fragments

John Quincy Adams

1767 AD — 1848 AD

Listed in the author section of Bartlett’s ninth-edition anthology, in the linked 1905 printing. Dates reflect that historical edition and may differ from modern scholarship.

Author and source reference ↗

▷ Play this voice Search within this voice ↗Place in time ↗peace courage learning life knowledge time mind justice

Historical source references

Speech at Plymouth, Dec
Letter to A
Written in an Album, 1842
His Last Words, Feb

Archive entries

01c. 1807 AD

Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!

John Quincy Adams / quote

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02c. 1807 AD

In charity to all mankind, bearing no malice or ill-will to any human being, and even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow-men, not knowing what they do.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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03c. 1807 AD

This hand, to tyrants ever sworn the foe, For Freedom only deals the deadly blow; Then sheathes in calm repose the vengeful blade, For gentle peace in Freedom's hallowed shade.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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04c. 1807 AD

This is the last of earth! I am content.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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05Undated

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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06Undated

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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07Undated

To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is ... the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of existence.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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08Undated

America... goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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09Undated

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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10Undated

No one knows, and few conceive, the agony of mind that I have suffered from the time that I was made by circumstances, and not by my volition, a candidate for the Presidency till I was dismissed from that station by the failure of my election.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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11Undated

Though it cost the blood of millions of white men, let it come. Let justice be done.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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12Undated

When (an advocate) is not thoroughly acquainted with the real strength and weakness of his cause, he knows not where to choose the most impressive argument. When the mark is shrouded in obscurity, the only substitute for accuracy in the aim is in the multitude of the shafts.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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13Undated

If the fundamental principles in the Declaration of Independence, as self-evident truths, are real truths, the existence of slavery, in any form, is a wrong.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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14Undated

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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15Undated

Democracy, pure democracy, has at least its foundation in a generous theory of human rights. It is founded on the natural equality of mankind. It is the cornerstone of the Christian religion. It is the first element of all lawful government upon earth.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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16Undated

The Declaration of Independence pronounced the irrevocable decree of political separation, between the United States and their people on the one part, and the British king, government, and nation on the other.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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17Undated

Is not the brand of 'double-dealer' stamped on the forehead of every democratic slaveholder? Are not fraud and hypocrisy the religion of the man who calls himself a democrat, and hold his fellow-man in bondage?

John Quincy Adams / quote

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18Undated

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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19Undated

The more you meditate on the laws of Moses, the more striking and brighter does their wisdom appear.

John Quincy Adams / quote

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John Quincy Adams

Archive entries

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The Republic

Tao Te Ching