John Adams Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"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 liberty."

by:	John Adams (1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President
Source:	Journal, 1772
Rating:
Categories:	Government, Liberty, Power, President, Trust
	Tweet

Reader comments about this quote:

A very astute observation in the obvious, we hold this truth to be self evident. This quote's referencing in the light of the statist theocracy that infests this land brings to mind the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time. -- Mike, Norwalk 2
The wisdom of the ages...true then...true now. -- J Carlton, Calgary 1
How have Americans forgotten this basic premise? It is the basis of the Constitution -- that men in power must be kept in check. How has it been turned around that we must trust our politicians and do whatever they say? A federal reformation is WAY past due. -- E Archer, NYC 1
Funny he should say that when he and Hamilton stood against Jefferson and wanted to bring all power to DC. -- cal, lewisville, tx
Not knowing the context in which he said this, it does seem easy to to be taken out of context(?) in that a freeman exercising his second Amendment right might be considered as a man living with power to endanger the public liberty. -- Anon
VOTE THE BASTARDS OUT! -- GOOSEY, ATLANTA
As we witness what is happening: the tea people (Taxed Enough Already) are being maligned in media. It may soon be difficult to water the tree of liberty as people may be so oppressed it could be impossible to pull the hose close enough to give hydration to the withering roots. -- Abigail, CM 1
I should try harder to remember this... -- Barack Obama, Washington, DC
-- jim k, Austin