Quote #5
Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
More from John Adams
- There is danger from all men. The only maxim of a free government ought to be to trust no man living with power to endanger the public libe…
- A government of laws, and not of men.
- The law no passion can disturb. 'Tis void of desire and fear, lust and anger. 'Tis mens sine affectu, written reason, retaining some measur…
- Metaphysicians and politicians may dispute forever, but they will never find any other moral principle or foundation of rule or obedience, …
- Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of…
- A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.
- Tis impossible to avail our selves of the genuine Powers of Eloquence, without examining in their Elements and first Principles, the Force …
- I agree with you that in politics the middle way is none at all.