Admire and adore the Author of the telescopic universe, love and esteem the work, do all in your power to lessen ill, and increase good, but never assume to comprehend.
John AdamsRead
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that a moral and religious populace is essential for upholding the Constitution effectively.
John Adams suggests that the U.S. Constitution is particularly suited to a society grounded in moral and religious values. Without these foundational principles, he implies that the Constitution may fail to govern effectively, highlighting the interdependence of ethics and governance within a political framework.
Themes
ConstitutionMoralityReligionGovernmentValues
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for ethical leadership in governance.
More from John Adams
All quotes →Property monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
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Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
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There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
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The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
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Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
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