Famous Quotes by John Quincy Adams
- "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 on Charity
- "Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." —John Quincy Adams on Courage
- "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." —John Quincy Adams on Democracy
- "The declaration that our People are hostile to a government made by themselves, for themselves, and conducted by themselves, is an insult." —John Quincy Adams on Government
- "Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, that those United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." —John Quincy Adams on Government
- ". . . The manners of women are the surest criterion by which to determine whether a republican government is practicable in a nation or not." —John Quincy Adams on Government
- "Not stones, nor wood, nor the art of artisans make a state; but where men are who know how to take care of themselves, these are cities and walls." —John Quincy Adams on Government
- "Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." —John Quincy Adams on History
- "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore." —John Quincy Adams on Holidays
- "This is the last of earth! I am content." —John Quincy Adams on Last Words
- "Old minds are like old horses; you must exercise them if you wish to keep them in working order." —John Quincy Adams on Mind
- "Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." —John Quincy Adams on Obstacles
- "The die was now cast; I had passed the Rubicon. Swim or sink, live or die, survive or perish with my country was my unalterable determination." —John Quincy Adams on Patriotism
- "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 on Peace
- "Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!" —John Quincy Adams on Posterity
- "Westward the star of empire takes its way." —John Quincy Adams on Progress
- "All rising to great place is by a winding stair." —John Quincy Adams on Progress
- "Where annual elections end, there slavery begins." —John Quincy Adams on Vote
- "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 on Vote
- ""Man wants but little here below Nor wants that little long," 'Tis not with me exactly so; But 'tis so in the song. My wants are many, and, if told, Would muster many a score; And were each wish a mint of gold, I still should long for more." —John Quincy Adams on Wishes
