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
Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy is inherently fragile and can self-destruct if not properly maintained.
This quote by John Adams highlights the vulnerability of democratic systems, suggesting that without vigilance and care, democracy can deteriorate into chaos or tyranny. The use of 'suicide' metaphorically implies that democracy can lead to its own downfall, emphasizing the need for active participation and preservation of democratic values among citizens.
Themes
DemocracyVigilanceFragilitySelf-DestructionGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on political philosophy, one might quote this to discuss the resilience needed in democratic systems.
More from John Adams
All quotes βProperty monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
John AdamsRead
Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
John AdamsRead
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John AdamsRead
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John AdamsRead
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
John AdamsRead
Similar quotes
The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.
John RawlsRead
I knew what it was to be uncomfortable in a movie theater watching unfolding on the screen images of myself - not me, but black people - that were uncomfortable.
Sidney PoitierRead
Of two equivalent theories or explanations, all other things being equal, the simpler one is to be preferred.
William Of OckhamRead
It's the mix of the trivial and the great events that make up history. It's the low things about high people that make it fascinating, and that's why it would be a shame to exclude the trivial things. That mixing up is not just at the heart of history. It's at the heart of how to live a great life.
Simon Sebag-MontefioreRead
The trouble with many men is that they have got just enough religion to make them miserable. If there is not joy in religion, you have got a leak in your religion.
Billy SundayRead
A day will come when the civilized world will deny its God, when the Church will doubt as Peter doubted. She will be tempted to believe that man has become God. In our churches, Christians will search in vain for the red lamp where God awaits them. Like Mary Magdalene, weeping before the empty tomb, they will ask, βWhere have they taken Him?β
Pope Pius XiiRead