John Adams Quote 

"Remember, democracy never lasts long.
It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.
There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

by:
John Adams
(1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President
Source:
letter to John Taylor, April 15, 1814
Categories:
 
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Reader comments about this quote:
I guess the school books missed this one, eh? Does anyone remember that America is a Republic, not a democracy? There is a world of difference!
 -- J. Liberty, Oregon		 
Supposed to be a Republic. We aren't anymore.
 -- P.M.		 
There was never a Democracy yet that has not commit suicide. That's worth repeating. Sounds like a contemporary statement.
 -- KS, Queensbury,NY.		 
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands..." Yes, let's return to being a Republic, starting by getting the Socialists (Democrats) out of office. Get rid of the Republicans too. That leaves Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc.
 -- Joe, Rochester, MI		 
When one percent of the population possesses 98% of the wealth, that isn't a democracy. When 33% of qualified voters vote, that isn't a democracy. When 3 wolves and a sheep decide who is going to be lunch, that isn't a democracy. You can't have a democracy without the requisite number of citizens, and we don't have the space to go into that here.
 -- Ken, Charleston, WV		 
 -- Mike Bromberg, The Sera Ranch, CA 
Let it be remembered that America is based on republican principles, not pure democracy which is merely 'might makes right'.
 -- E Archer, NYC		 
I think he was referring to a direct democracy (or pure democracy). It would be best to say the United States is a constitutional republic with a representative democracy rather than simply a republic or a democracy.
 -- Steven, Pennsylvania		 
Democacy is little more than mob rule and I believe Winston Churchill nailed it with his comment "The best argument against democracy is a five minute talk with the average voter." Our experiment with being a Constitutional Republic is rapidly coming to an end and our 'democracy' is indeed committing suicide.
 -- BondiHarry, Orlando, FL		 
Let it be said that when man is given the reigns hopelessness is not far behind
 -- Katie		 
Unless there is a major change in governmental philosophy all the governments of the anglosphere are doomed. Perhaps in the rebirth, Individual Liberty will win out.
 -- J Carlton, Calgary		 
Going from George Washington to Bill Clinton in only 200 years pretty well sums it up. If that isn't a downhill slide I don't know what is. And Bush is little improvement.
 -- jim kilpatrick, austin, tx		 
Long live the Republic!
 -- Logan, Memphis, TN		 
Democracy is a matter of convincing the majority that evil is good and that those who resist evil shall be ridiculed and punished. Democratic process got Jesus crucified. God forbids democracy Ex.23:2
 -- Dave Wilber, St. Louis		 
 -- Mike, Norwalk 
I am sure that is why he helped make this country a republic. If we can keep it as Franklin said.
 -- warren, olathe		 
While people are busy mentioning those republican principles the country was founded upon, let's not forget that republicans used to be democrats.
 -- beefy, atlanta		 
John Adams' dread of the two-party system in America could have not been more prophetic relative to what we see today in our politics. His dislike for Democracy was also right on target given the populist Democratic platforms that resemble similar platforms in Cuba, Venezuela and other Socialist systems. J. A. would recognize immediately what our "Democracy" is experiencing today. Called it suicide!
 -- Anonymous, everett, w		 
pure and simple from a straight, white,southern man,liberalism and socilaism are taking us down,me,i am staying bitter about it and clinging to my guns and my religion.
 -- greg, concord,nc		 
Coming from a straight, white, southern young man. Good for you Greg, you're not alone.
 -- Marshall Spruill		 
Henceforth, we must protect and defend our republic! God knows our illustrious leaders are not.
 -- Nancy, OH		 
I think that I am tired of right-wing people misunderstanding and misrepresenting everything. The Democratic Party is nothing but a collection of individuals banded together to fight Republican greed and fascism. We really only have one party and then all of those who oppose that one party.
 -- Anonymous, York, PA		 
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands..." Yes, let's return to being a Republic, starting by getting the Socialists (Democrats) out of office. Get rid of the Republicans too. That leaves Libertarians, Constitutionalists, etc." yes, because control of who can be in office is a VERY American ideal, also America is technicaly a Democratic-Republic, a Republic because we have people who represent groups as leaders, a democratic part because we vote for them, one man, one vote.
 -- Jaque Doe, tulsa, ok		 
Simple minded theories for simple minded people. John Adams was smart, he knew that a democracy can't survive unless the majority of people are educated and intelligent. He knew that was never going to happen. That's why Jefferson opened a University and promoted schools, but Adams knew he was wasting his time, people prefer to be simple minded dupes. He always said it's only a matter of time and the aristocratic few will have all the power again, and they do. The Revolution was just a bump on the road for them.
 -- Ben Dover, St. Louis		 
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