There is nothing in which mankind have been more unanimous [founding nations upon superstition]; yet nothing can be inferred from it more than this, that the multitude have always been credulous, and the few artful. The United States of America have exhibited, perhaps, the first example of governments erected on the simple principles of nature: and if men are now sufficiently enlightened to disabuse themselves of artifice, imposture, hypocrisy, and superstition, they will consider this event as an era in their history.. [T]he detail of the formation of the American governments.. may hereafter become an object of curiosity. It will never be pretended that any persons employed in that service had any interviews with the gods, or were in any degree under the inspiration of heaven.. it will for ever be acknowledged that these governments were contrived merely by the use of reason and the senses.. Thirteen governments thus founded on the natural authority of the people alone, without a pretence of miracle or mystery, which are destined to spread over the northern part of that whole quarter of the globe, are a great point gained in favour of the rights of mankind.[ A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States of America, 1787]. John Adams
Some Similar Quotes
  1. When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. - Paulo Coelho

  2. The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater. - J.r.r. Tolkien

  3. This is where it all begins. Everything starts here, today. - David Nicholls

  4. If you can love someone with your whole heart, even one person, then there's salvation in life. Even if you can't get together with that person. - Haruki Murakami

  5. Yes, I decided, a man can truly change. The events of the past year have taught me much about myself, and a few universal truths. I learned, for instance, that while wounds can be inflicted easily upon those we love, it's often much more difficult... - Nicholas Sparks

More Quotes By John Adams
  1. Beware:Ignorance Protects itself. Ignorance Promotes suspicion. Suspicion Engenders fear. Fear quails, Irrational and blind, Or fear looms, Defiant and closed. Blind, closed, Suspicious, afraid, Ignorance Protects itself, And protected, Ignorance grows.

  2. All that you touch You Change.All that you ChangeChanges you. The only lasting truthis Change.Godis Change.

  3. God is Change.Earthseed: The Books of the LivingLauren Oya Olamina

  4. In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn.

  5. There is nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns.

Related Topics