Statesmen and tyrants

Gems

A quote by John Adams (1735 – 1826), a Founding Father – a leader of the movement for American independence from Great Britain.

He was the first vice president and the second president of the United States (1797 – 1801).

John Adams

Statesmen may plan and speculate for liberty,
but it is religion and morality alone
which can establish the principles
upon which freedom can securely stand.
The only foundation of a free constitution
is pure virtue,
and if this cannot be inspired into our people
in a greater measure than they have it now,
they may change their rulers and the forms of government,
but they will not obtain a lasting liberty.
They will only exchange tyrants and tyrannies.

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