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
While all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill - little better understood, little better practiced now than three or four thousand years ago.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The study and practice of government has seen very little progress compared to other sciences over the millennia.
John Adams reflects on the stagnation of political science compared to the advancements in other fields. He suggests that despite the passage of thousands of years, the understanding and practice of governance remain largely unchanged, highlighting a persistent issue in societal governance and political theory.
Themes
GovernmentPoliticsStagnationHistoryAdvancement
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on political reform, one might quote John Adams to emphasize the need for innovation 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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Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
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The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
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