As the happiness of the people is the sole end of government, so the consent of the people is the only foundation of it, in reason, morality, and the natural fitness of things

Quote by John Adams

Topics: Government Quotes, Happiness Quotes

When people talk of the freedom of writing, speaking or thinking I cannot choose but...

When people talk of the freedom of writing, speaking or thinking I cannot choose but...

That the desires of the majority of the people are often for injustice and inhumanity...

That the desires of the majority of the people are often for injustice and inhumanity...

The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as...

The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as...

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates...

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates...

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics...

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics...

The most sensible and jealous people are so little attentive to government that there are...

The most sensible and jealous people are so little attentive to government that there are...

Books that cannot bear examination, certainly ought not to be established as divine inspiration by...

Books that cannot bear examination, certainly ought not to be established as divine inspiration by...

The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.

The essence of a free government consists in an effectual control of rivalries.

A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is...

A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is...

Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his...

Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his...

The happiness of society is the end of government.

The happiness of society is the end of government.

Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of...

Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of...

The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by...

The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by...

While all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill - little...

While all other sciences have advanced, that of government is at a standstill - little...

I cannot conceive such a Being could make such a Species as the human, merely...

I cannot conceive such a Being could make such a Species as the human, merely...

I never engaged in public affairs for my own interest, pleasure, envy, jealousy, avarice or...

I never engaged in public affairs for my own interest, pleasure, envy, jealousy, avarice or...

Vanity, I am sensible, is my cardinal vice and cardinal folly; and I am in...

Vanity, I am sensible, is my cardinal vice and cardinal folly; and I am in...

It is weakness rather than wickedness which renders men unfit to be trusted with unlimited...

It is weakness rather than wickedness which renders men unfit to be trusted with unlimited...

There's a basic human weakness inherent in all people which tempts them to want what...

There's a basic human weakness inherent in all people which tempts them to want what...

As states subsist in part by keeping their weaknesses from being known, so is it...

As states subsist in part by keeping their weaknesses from being known, so is it...