Whoever tells the best story wins. John Quincy Adams More Quotes by John Quincy Adams More Quotes From John Quincy Adams To believe that everyone is honest is folly, but to believe that no one is honest is worse. John Quincy Adams folly honest believe 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 ill-will knowing men The political system of the United States is essentially extra-European. To stand in firm and cautious independence of all entanglement in the European system has been a cardinal point of their policy under every administration of their government from the peace of 1783 to this day...Every year's experience rivets it more deeply in the principles and opinions of the nation. John Quincy Adams political government years The American continents, by the free and independent condition that they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonisation byany European powers? In the wars of the Europeanpowers inmattersrelating to ourselves, we have never taken any part; nor does it comport with our policy to do so. John Quincy Adams independent taken war This is the last of earth! I am content. John Quincy Adams dying earth death 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 song men long Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will be America's heart, her benedictions and her prayers. John Quincy Adams prayer heart america The public history of all countries, and all ages, is but a sort of mask, richly colored. The interior working of the machinery must be foul. John Quincy Adams age country history The harmony of the nation is promoted and the whole Union is knit together by the sentiments of mutual respect, the habits of social intercourse, and the ties of personal friendship formed between the representatives of its several parts in the performance of their service at this metropolis. John Quincy Adams ties together friendship The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they never can make him wise, virtuous, or happy. John Quincy Adams wisdom wise men The natural state of mankind ... and I know that this is a controversial idea... is freedom... And the proof is the lengths to which a man, woman, or child will go to regain it once lost. He will break loose his chains. He will decimate his enemies. He will try and try and try again, against all odds, against all prejudices. John Quincy Adams freedom men children I say women exhibit the most exalted virtue when they depart from the domestic circle and enter on the concerns of their country, of humanity, and of their G-d! John Quincy Adams presidential circles country America, with the same voice which spoke herself into existence as a nation, proclaimed to mankind the inextinguishable rights of human nature, and the only lawful foundations of government. John Quincy Adams voice government rights Death fixes forever the relation existing between the departed spirit and the survivors upon earth. John Quincy Adams departed survivor forever A man's diary is a record in youth of his sentiments, in middle age of his actions, in old age of his reflections. John Quincy Adams reflection age men Roll, years of promise, rapidly roll round, till not a slave shall on this earth be found. John Quincy Adams earth promise years However tiresome to others, the most indefatigable orator is never tedious to himself. The sound of his own voice never loses its harmony to his own ear; and among the delusions, which self-love is ever assiduous in attempting to pass upon virtue, he fancies himself to be sounding the sweetest tones John Quincy Adams voice self love-is Among the sentiments of most powerful operation upon the human heart, and most highly honorable to the human character, are those of veneration for our forefathers and of love for our posterity. John Quincy Adams powerful heart character The barbarian chieftain, who defended his country against the Roman invasion, driven to the remotest extremity of Britain, and stimulating his followers to battle, by all that has power of persuasion upon the human heart, concludes his exhortation by an appeal to these irresistible feelings - "Think of your forefathers and of your posterity." John Quincy Adams heart country thinking Life is a problem; mortal man was made to solve the solemn problem right or wrong. John Quincy Adams problem men life
