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About this quote

What does it mean?
He calls for reverence only to religion, morality, and liberty.
In plain terms
Only religion, morality, and liberty deserve reverence.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize these three values in society.

Where it applies

  • public discourse
  • education

Putting it to work

  • teach moral principles
  • protect religious freedom

Questions to consider

  • What other principles might deserve reverence?
  • How do we balance them?

Another view

Other values like justice or equality may also be essential.

More from John Adams

  1. I agree with you that in politics the middle way is none at all.

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. You bid me burn your letters. But I must forget you first.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.

    Permalink to quote #8

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