John Adams Among Quotations

Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.

Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ''that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.''

I am persuaded there is among the mass of our people a fund of wisdom, integrity, and humanity which will preserve their happiness in a tolerable measure

The preservation of the means of knowledge among the lowest ranks is of more importance to the public than all the property of all the rich men in the country