The whole drama of the world is such tragedy that I am weary of the spectacle.

[I] never understood [what a republican government was and] I believe no other man ever did or ever will.

But before any great things are accomplished, a memorable change must be made in the system of Education and knowledge must become so general as to raise the lower ranks of Society nearer to the higher. The Education of a Nation, instead of being confined to a few schools & Universities, for the instruction of the few, must become the National Care and expence, for the information of the Many.

The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or a Mohammedan nation.

The happiness of man, as well as his dignity, consists in virtue.

I desire no other inscription over my gravestone than: 'Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of peace with France in the year 1800'.

Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.