Quotes from John Quincy Adams

This house will bear witness to his piety; this town, his birthplace, to his munificence; history to his patriotism; posterity to the depth and compass of his mind.

Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone.

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

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.

I am a warrior, so that my son may be a merchant, so that his son may be a poet.

America... goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all.

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak, and that it is doing God's service when it is violating all His laws.

To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is ... the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of existence.

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.

Of all persecuted sects, the Baptists stand forth as most prominent, simply and only because they aim at a more complete and thorough reform than any others ever attempted. They teach that Christ's kingdom is not of this world; that the church is not a national, political, or provincial establishment; but a congregation of holy men, separated from the world by the receiving of the Holy Spirit.

This is the last of earth! I am content.