John Quincy Adams

No one knows, and few conceive, the agony of mind that I have suffered from the time that I was made by circumstances, and not by my volition, a candidate for the Presidency till I was dismissed from that station by the failure of my election.

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

America... goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is ... the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of existence.

The more you meditate on the laws of Moses, the more striking and brighter does their wisdom appear.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

Is not the brand of 'double-dealer' stamped on the forehead of every democratic slaveholder? Are not fraud and hypocrisy the religion of the man who calls himself a democrat, and hold his fellow-man in bondage?

The Declaration of Independence pronounced the irrevocable decree of political separation, between the United States and their people on the one part, and the British king, government, and nation on the other.

Democracy, pure democracy, has at least its foundation in a generous theory of human rights. It is founded on the natural equality of mankind. It is the cornerstone of the Christian religion. It is the first element of all lawful government upon earth.

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!

Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.

If the fundamental principles in the Declaration of Independence, as self-evident truths, are real truths, the existence of slavery, in any form, is a wrong.

In charity to all mankind, bearing no malice or ill will to any human being, and even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fellow men, not knowing what they do.

When (an advocate) is not thoroughly acquainted with the real strength and weakness of his cause, he knows not where to choose the most impressive argument. When the mark is shrouded in obscurity, the only substitute for accuracy in the aim is in the multitude of the shafts.

Though it cost the blood of millions of white men, let it come. Let justice be done.