Be not intimidated...nor suffer yourselves to be wheedled out of your liberties by any pretense of politeness, delicacy, or decency. These, as they are often used, are but three different names for hypocrisy, chicanery and cowardice.

— John Adams

Daughter! Get you an honest Man for a Husband, and keep him honest. No matter whether he is rich, provided he is independent. Regard the Honor and moral Character of the Man more than all other Circumstances. Think of no other Greatness but that of the soul, no other Riches but those of the Heart. An honest, Sensible humane Man, above all the Littleness of Vanity, and Extravagances of Imagination, laboring to do good rather than be rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in a modest Simplicity clearly within his Means and free from Debts or Obligations, is really the most respectable Man in Society, makes himself and all about him the most happy.

— John Adams

... Defeat appears to me preferable to total Inaction.

— John Adams

Every man in it is a great man an orator a critic a statesman and therefore every man upon every question must show his oratory his criticism and his political abilities.

— John Adams

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.

— John Adams

Fear is the foundation of most governments.

— John Adams

Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.

— John Adams

Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.

— John Adams

Had I been chosen president again I am certain I could not have lived another year?

— John Adams

Here is everything which can lay hold of the eye, ear and imagination - everything which can charm and bewitch the simple and ignorant. I wonder how Luther ever broke the spell.

— John Adams