Chapter 20: Myth—Politics Doesn’t Matter

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“If there is a form of government, then, whose principle and

foundation is virtue, will not every sober man acknowledge it better calculated to promote the general happiness than any other?” John Adams, Thoughts of Government, 1776.

“It is the duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons, to worship the SUPREME BEING, the great CREATOR and PRESERVER of the universe. And no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained, in his person, liberty, or estate, for worshipping God in the manner most agreeable

to the dictates of his own conscience; or for his religious profession or sentiments; provided he doth not disturb the public peace; or obstruct others in their religious worship.” John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776.

“Men must be ready, they must pride themselves and be happy to

sacrifice their private pleasures, passions and interests, nay, their private friendships and dearest connections, when they stand in competition with the rights of society.” John Adams, letter to Mercy Warren, April 17, 1776.

“National defense is one of the cardinal duties of a statesman.” John Adams, letter to James Lloyd, January 1815.

“Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public

virtue is the only foundation of republics. There must be a positive passion for the public good, the public interest, honor, power and glory, established in the minds of the people, or there can be no republican government, nor any real liberty; and this public passion must be superior to all private

passions.” John Adams, letter to Mercy Warren, April 16, 1776.

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

suicide.” John Adams, letter to John Taylor, April 15, 1814.

“The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families. How is it possible that Children can have any just Sense of the sacred

Obligations of Morality or Religion if, from their earliest Infancy, they learn