Men who content themselves with the semblance of truth, and a display of words, talk much of our obligations to Great Britain for protection. Had she a single eye to our advantage? A nation of shopkeepers are very seldom so disinterested.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Adams criticizes those who claim Britain protected the colonies, suggesting a nation focused on profit is unlikely to act out of pure generosity.
- In plain terms
- Countries acting for profit rarely do so out of kindness or disinterest.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of claims of protection from those seeking profit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits from this protection?
- Are motives purely selfless?
Another view
Sometimes protection is given for strategic reasons rather than just profit.
More from Samuel Adams
Were the talents and virtues which heaven has bestowed on men given merely to make them more obedient drudges, to be sacrificed to the follies and ambition of …
Permalink to quote #16 Did the protection we received annul our rights as men, and lay us under an obligation of being miserable? Who among you, my countrymen, that is a father, woul…
Permalink to quote #18 He who made all men hath made the truths necessary to human happiness obvious to all. Our forefathers threw off the yoke of Popery in religion; for you is rese…
Permalink to quote #15
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