We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
If men of wisdom and knowledge, of moderation and temperance, of patience, fortitude and perseverance, of sobriety and true republican simplicity of manners, of zeal for the honour of the Supreme Being and the welfare of the commonwealth; if men possessed of these other excellent qualities are chosen to fill the seats of government, we may expect that our affairs will rest on a solid and permanent foundation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good governance relies on wise and virtuous leaders who prioritize the common good.
This quote emphasizes the importance of selecting leaders who embody wisdom, knowledge, moderation, and other virtues. Samuel Adams argues that if individuals with these commendable qualities are in government, then society can be confident that its affairs will be managed effectively and endure over time.
Themes
LeadershipWisdomGovernanceVirtueCommon Good
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech discussing the qualities necessary for effective governance.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
Samuel AdamsRead
If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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Let no man thirst for good beer.
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He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel AdamsRead
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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