{"id":577,"date":"2015-11-15T02:05:09","date_gmt":"2015-11-15T02:05:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/repeatright.com\/engine\/?p=577"},"modified":"2018-10-08T16:14:56","modified_gmt":"2018-10-08T16:14:56","slug":"adams-samuel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.repeatright.com\/engine\/adams-samuel\/","title":{"rendered":"ADAMS, Samuel"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201cEducation is within the power of men and societies of men. Wise and judicious modes of education, patronized and supported by communities, will draw together the sons of the rich and the poor, among whom it makes no distinction\u2026it will reward its patrons and benefactors, by shedding its benign influence on the public mind.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Letter to Vice President John Adams (20 November 1790) in The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States,<\/em> Vol. 6, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston: Charles Little & James Brown, 1851, Letter IV, p. 425; online via Harvard University & Google Books, books.google.com<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1449531588755-96303790-852e094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Letter to second-cousin John Adams, who was serving in 1790 as Vice President of the United States. Samuel Adams was writing from Boston, where he was also serving in government as the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.]:<\/p>\n

\u201cEducation is within the power of men and societies of men. Wise and judicious modes of education, patronized and supported by communities, will draw together the sons of the rich and the poor, among whom it makes no distinction<\/span>; it will cultivate the natural genius, elevate the soul, excite laudable emulation to excel in knowledge, piety and benevolence; and, finally, it will reward its patrons and benefactors, by shedding its benign influence on the public mind.<\/span> Education inures men to thinking and reflection, to reasoning and demonstration. It discovers to them the moral and religious duties they owe to God, their country, and to all mankind. Even savages might, by the means of education, be instructed to frame the best civil and political institutions, with as much skill and ingenuity as they now shape their arrows. Education leads youth to \u201cthe study of human nature, society, and universal history,\u201d from whence they may \u201cdraw all the principles\u201d of political architecture which ought to be regarded. All men are \u201cinterested in the truth.\u201d Education, by showing them \u201cthe end of all its consequences,\u201d would induce at least the greatest numbers to enlist on its side. The man of good understanding, who has been well-educated, and improves these advantages, as far as his circumstances will allow, in promoting the happiness of mankind, in my opinion, and I am inclined to think in yours, is indeed \u201cwell-born.\u201d (p. 425)
\n<\/em><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1449531589797-29580b31-8c50094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>: The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States<\/em>, Vol. 6 (1851) online via Google Books: https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=UJYsAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA425&lpg=PA425&dq=Education+is+within+the+power+of+men+and+societies+of+men.+Wise+and+judicious+modes+of+education,+patronized+and+supported+by+communities<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1453315829087-ce67c619-0fbc4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cHow strangely will the tools of a tyrant pervert the plain meaning of words!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Letter to John Pitts (21 January 1776) The Writings of Samuel Adams, <\/em>Vol. III [1773-1777], ed. Harry Alonzo Cushing, New York: G.P. Putnam\u2019s Sons, 1907, p. 256; online via Stanford University & Internet Archive, www.archive.org<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315829475-7c82a017-1e624d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Adams letter to John Pitts, a former \u201cmember of the second & third provincial congresses of Massachusetts.\u201d In the letter, Adams does not directly name the third party who delivered the speech he is referencing. Text style as it appears in cited source.]:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have seen the most gracious<\/em> Speech \u2013 Most Gracious! How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!<\/span> It discovers, to be sure, the most benevolent & humane<\/em> Feelings of its Author. I have heard that he is his own Minister \u2013 that he follows the Dictates of his own Heart. If so, why should we cast the odium of distressing Mankind upon his Minions & Flatterers only. Guilt must lie at his Door. Divine Vengeance will fall on his head; for all-gracious Heaven cannot be an indifferent Spectator of the virtuous Struggles of this people\u201d (p. 256)<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315829682-63e8fade-cf4c4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:The Writings of Samuel Adams<\/em>, 1773-1777, Vol. III (1907 G.P. Putnam’s Sons) online via Internet Archive: https:\/\/archive.org\/stream\/writingssamuela01adamgoog#page\/n281\/mode\/2up\/search\/How+strangely+will+the+tools+of+a+tyrant+pervert+<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1453316221301{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1453315828001-b5e2e52e-ea1e4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cIf ever time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Letter to Massachusetts legislator James Warren (24 October 1780) in The Writings of Samuel Adams, <\/em>Vol. IV (1778-1802), ed. Harry Alonzo Cushing, New York: G.P. Putnam\u2019s Sons, 1908, pp. 212-213; online via Cornell University & Internet Archive, www.archive.org<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315828385-86abfac4-79bf4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Letter to Massachusetts legislator James Warren.]:<\/p>\n

Original text <\/u><\/em>[as it appears in cited source]: \u201cIt ill becomes you, my Friend, to think of retiring into private Life, who can lay your hand on your heart, and say that in your publick Conduct your have in no Instance deviated from virtuous Principles. If ever the Time should come, when vain & aspiring Men shall possess the highest Seats in Government, our Country will stand in Need of its experienced Patriots to prevent its Ruin.<\/span> There may be more Danger of this, than some, even of our well disposd Citizens may imagine. If the People should grant their Suffrages to Men, only because they conceive them to have been Friends to the Country, without Regard to the necessary Qualification for the Places they are to fill, the Administration of Government will become a mere Farce, and our publick Affairs will never be put on the Footing of solid Security.\u201d (pp. 212-213)<\/p>\n

Modern text style & spelling <\/u><\/em>[Repeat Right editor]: \u201cIt ill becomes you, my friend, to think of retiring into private life, who can lay your hand on your heart, and say that in your public conduct you have in no instance deviated from virtuous principles. If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.<\/span> There may be more danger of this, than some, even of our well-disposed citizens may imagine. If the people should grant their suffrages to men, only because they conceive them to have been friends to the country, without regard to the necessary qualification for the places they are to fill, the administration of government will become a mere farce, and our public affairs will never be put on the footing of solid security.\u201d<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315828572-dac97b48-68e04d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0The Writings of Samuel Adams<\/em>, Vol. IV (1908) online via Internet Archive: https:\/\/archive.org\/stream\/cu31924092891195#page\/n237\/mode\/2up\/search\/when+vain+and+aspiring+men+shall+possess<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1449531591105-7edf5f39-feaa094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cIf virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Letter to James Warren (12 February 1779) The\u00a0<\/em>Writings of Samuel Adams<\/em>,\u00a0Vol. IV (1778-1802), ed. Harry A. Cushing, New York: G.P. Putnam\u2019s Sons, 1908, p. 124; online via Cornell University & Google Books, books.google.com\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1449531591631-43861bc7-da28094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Letter to Massachusetts legislator James Warren.]:<\/p>\n

Original text <\/u><\/em>[as it appears in cited source]: \u201cIf you are of my Mind, and I think you are, the Necessity of supporting the Education of our Country must be strongly impressd on your Mind. It gives me the greatest Concern to hear that some of the Gentlemen in the Country begin to think the Maintenance of Schools too great a Burden. […] Virginia is duly sensible of the great Importance of Education, and, as a friend in that Country informs me, has lately adopted an effectual Plan for that necessary Purpose. If Virtue and Knowledge are diffusd among the People, they will never be enslavd. This will be their great Security.<\/span> Virtue & Knowledge will forever be an even Balance for Powers & Riches.\u201d (pp. 124-125)<\/p>\n

Modern text style & spelling <\/u><\/em>[Repeat Right editor]: \u201cIf you are of my mind, and I think you are, the necessity of supporting the education of our country must be strongly impressed on your mind. It gives me the greatest concern to hear that some of the gentlemen in the country begin to think the maintenance of schools too great a burden. […] Virginia is duly sensible of the great importance of education, and, as a friend in that country informs me, has lately adopted an effectual plan for that necessary purpose. If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security.<\/span> Virtue & knowledge will forever be an even balance for powers & riches.\u201d<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1449531592891-f39e055b-a66e094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0The Writings of Samuel Adams<\/em>, Vol. IV (1908) online via Internet Archive: https:\/\/archive.org\/stream\/cu31924092891195#page\/n149\/mode\/2up<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1453316221301{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1453315828001-b5e2e52e-ea1e4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cIn regard to religion, mutual toleration in the different professions thereof is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practiced, and, both by precept and example, inculcated on mankind.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

\u201cNatural Rights of the Colonists as Men\u201d (20 November 1772) Report to town meeting, The Report on the Committee of Correspondence to the Boston Town Meeting<\/em> Faneuil Hall, Boston; in William V. Wells, The Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams, Vol. I, Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1865, pp. 502-503; online via Harvard University & Google Books, books.google.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315828385-86abfac4-79bf4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Statement of rights. Spelling & text style as shown in cited source.]: \u201cIn regard to religion, mutual toleration in the different professions thereof is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practised, and, both by precept and example, inculcated on mankind.<\/span> And it is now generally agreed among Christians that this spirit of toleration, in the fullest extent consistent with the being of civil society, is the chief characteristical mark of the true Church. Insomuch that Mr. Locke has asserted and proved, beyond the possibility of contradiction on any solid ground, that such toleration ought to be extended to all whose doctrines are not subversive of society. The only sects which he thinks ought to be, and which by all wise laws are excluded from such toleration, are those who teach doctrines subversive of the civil government under which they live. The Roman Cathoics or Papists are excluded by reason of such doctrines as these, that princes excommunicated may be deposed, and those that they call heretics may be destroyed without mercy; besides their recognizing the Pope in so absolute a manner, in subversion of government, by introducing, as far as possible into the states under whose protection they enjoy life, liberty, and property, that solecism in politics imperium in imperio<\/em>, leading directly to the worst anarchy and confusion, civil discord, war, and bloodshed\u201d (pp. 502-303)<\/p>\n

Source notes<\/em><\/strong>: Adams created the declaration of \u201cNatural Rights\u201d after helping to form a committee of \u201ctwenty-one persons, to state the rights of the Colonists and of this Province in particular, as men and Christians and as subjects; and to communicate and publish the same to the several towns and to the world as the sense of this town, with the infringements and violations thereof that have been, or from time to time may be, made.\u201d (pp. 496-497)<\/p>\n

In the text above, Adams is referencing philosopher John Locke, and Locke\u2019s Letters of Toleration<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The Latin text \u201cimperium in imperio<\/em>\u201d = \u201cA government within a government.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315828572-dac97b48-68e04d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0The Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams<\/em>, Vol. I (1865) online via Google Books: https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=XHs-AAAAYAAJ&pg=PA502&dq=In+regard+to+religion,+mutual+toleration <\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1449531591105-7edf5f39-feaa094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cLet us contemplate our forefathers and posterity, and resolve to maintain the rights bequeathed to us from the former for the sake of the latter. Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wish of our enemies, the necessity of the times more than ever calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance. Let us remember that \u2018if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom!\u2019 It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers in the event!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Newspaper letter to the editor, submitted under the pseudonym \u201cCandidus\u201d (14 October 1771) The Boston-Gazette, and Country Journal<\/em>, No. 862, p. 580, column 2 [page 2 of October 1771 edition & .pdf file]; online via \u2018The Annotated Newspapers of Harbottle Dorr, Jr., Boston: Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS), www.masshist.org<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1449531591631-43861bc7-da28094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Newspaper letter to the editor; using the pseudonym \u2018Candidus\u2019]:<\/p>\n

Original text <\/u><\/em>[as it appears in cited source. Note that the 1771 text utilizes the \u2018long\u2019 (or \u2018medial\u2019) s<\/em>.]: \u201cThe liberties of our Country, the freedom of our civil con\u017ftitution are worth defending at all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them again\u017ft all attacks. We have receiv\u2019d them as a fair Inheritance from our worthy Ance\u017ftors: They purchas\u2019d them for us with toil and danger and expence of trea\u017fure and blood; and tran\u017fmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlas\u017fting mark of infamy on the pre\u017fsent generation, enlightned as it is, if we \u017fhould \u017fuffer them to be wre\u017fted from us by violence without a \u017ftruggle; or be cheated out of them by the artifices of fal\u017fe and de\u017fsigning men. Of the latter we are in mo\u017ft danger at pre\u017fent: Let us therefore be aware of it. Let us contemplate our forefathers and po\u017fterity; and re\u017fsolve to maintain the rights bequeath\u2019d to us from the former, for the \u017fake of the latter. – In\u017ftead of \u017fitting down \u017fatisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wi\u017fh of our enemies<\/em>, the nece\u017f\u017fity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmo\u017ft circum\u017fpection, deliberation, fortitude and per\u017feverance. Let us remember, that \u201cif we \u017fuffer tamely a lawle\u017fs attafk upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom.\u201d It is a very \u017ferious con\u017fideration, which \u017fhould deeply impre\u017fs our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the mi\u017ferable \u017fharers in the event<\/span>.\u201d (p. 580, column 2)<\/p>\n

Modern text style & spelling <\/u><\/em>[Repeat Right editor]: \u201cThe liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards: and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood; and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightned as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle; or be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men. Of the latter we are in most danger at present: Let us therefore be aware of it. Let us contemplate our forefathers and posterity, and resolve to maintain the rights bequeathed to us from the former for the sake of the latter. Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wish of our enemies, the necessity of the times more than ever calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance. Let us remember that \u2018if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom!\u2019 It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers in the event!<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1449531592891-f39e055b-a66e094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0Letter addressed to the editors of The Boston-Gazette, and Country Journal<\/em> (14 October 1771) online via The Massachusetts Historical Society: http:\/\/www.masshist.org\/dorr\/volume\/3\/sequence\/621<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1453316221301{margin-top: 0px !important;border-top-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1453315828001-b5e2e52e-ea1e4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cN<\/strong>either the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Essay in The Independent Advertiser<\/em> (1748) excerpted in The\u00a0<\/em>Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams<\/em>, Vol. I, ed. William Vincent Wells, Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1866, p. 22; online via University of Wisconsin & Google Books, books.google.com<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315828385-86abfac4-79bf4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong> [Essay from Adams\u2019 newspaper, The Independent Advertiser<\/em>. While the essay was quoted at length in The Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams<\/em>, to date we have not located an original copy of the paper online.]:<\/p>\n

\u201cBut neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt<\/span>. He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man. We must not conclude merely upon a man’s haranguing upon liberty, and using the charming sound, that he is fit to be trusted with the liberties of his country. It is not unfrequent to hear men declaim loudly upon liberty, who, if we may judge by the whole tenor of their actions, mean nothing else by it but their own liberty,<\/em> \u2014 to oppress without control or the restraint of laws all who are poorer or weaker than themselves.\u201d (p. 22)<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315828572-dac97b48-68e04d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

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Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0The Life and Public Services of Samuel Adams<\/em>, Vol. I (1866 Little, Brown & Co.) online via Google Books: https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=TIoTAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA22&lpg=PA22&dq=Neither+the+wisest+constitution+nor+the+wisest+laws+will+secure+the+liberty+and+happiness+of+a+people+whose+manners+are+universally+corrupt<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1449531591105-7edf5f39-feaa094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

\u201cWe agree in the utility of universal education but \u2018will nations agree in it as fully and extensively as we do\u2019? Why should they not? It would not be fair to conclude that, because they have not yet been disposed to agree in it, they never will. It is allowed that the present age is more enlightened than former ones. Freedom of inquiry is certainly more encouraged; the feelings of humanity have softened the heart; the true principles of civil and religious liberty are better understood; tyranny in all its shapes is more detested; and bigotry, if not still blind, must be mortified to see that she is despised. Such an age may afford at least a flattering expectation that nations, as well as individuals, will view the utility of universal education in so strong a light, as to induce sufficient national patronage and support.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Samuel Adams<\/strong>, American founding politician & essayist<\/p>\n

Letter to Vice President John Adams (20 November 1790)\u00a0in The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States,<\/em> Vol. 6, ed. Charles Francis Adams, Boston: Charles Little & James Brown, 1851, Letter IV, p. 423-424; online via Harvard University & Google Books, books.google.com<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315828385-86abfac4-79bf4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended excerpt\u00a0<\/em><\/strong> [Letter to second-cousin John Adams, who was serving in 1790 as Vice President of the United States. Samuel Adams was writing from Boston, where he was also serving in government as the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Italics original to cited text.]:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe agree in the utility of universal education but \u201cwill nations agree in it as fully and extensively as we do?\u201d Why should they not? It would not be fair to conclude that, because they have not yet been disposed to agree in it, they never will. It is allowed that the present age is more enlightened than former ones. Freedom of inquiry is certainly more encouraged; the feelings of humanity have softened the heart; the true principles of civil and religious liberty are better understood; tyranny in all its shapes is more detested; and bigotry, if not still blind, must be mortified to see that she is despised. Such an age may afford at least a flattering expectation that nations, as well as individuals, will view the utility of universal education<\/em> in so strong a light, as to induce sufficient national patronage and support<\/span>. Future ages will probably be more enlightened than this.\u201d (p. 423-424)<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315828572-dac97b48-68e04d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Source link<\/em><\/strong><\/span>:\u00a0The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States<\/em>, Vol. 6 (1851) online via Google Books: https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=UJYsAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA423&lpg=PA423&dq=We+agree+in+the+utility+of+universal+education+but+will+nations+agree+in+it+as+fully+and+extensively+as+we+do<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_tta_tabs style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-book” add_icon=”true” title=”Citation” tab_id=”1449531591105-7edf5f39-feaa094f-cf634d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Misattributed to Samuel Adams<\/em> <\/strong><\/span>–<\/p>\n

\u201c[R<\/strong><\/span>]evolutions don’t<\/strong> require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds<\/strong>.<\/span>\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

~Diane Ackerman<\/strong><\/span>, American author & naturalist<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Man Who Made a Revolution\u201d (6 September 1987) Parade Magazine<\/em>, New York: Parade Inc., in The Kokomo Tribune<\/em>, Vol. 138, No. 4, Kokomo, Indiana, p. 22 (p. 73 of full Kokomo Tribune <\/em>edition); online via Newspapers.com [subscription service] www.newspapers.com<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-ban” add_icon=”true” title=”Misquotes” tab_id=”1522090575184-0a0ee6d9-c608″][vc_column_text]\n

Re-quote note<\/em><\/strong><\/span>: A number of sources have paraphrased Ackerman\u2019s quote by changing the first words from \u201c[R]evolutions don\u2019t require a majority<\/span>…\u201d to \u201cIt does not require a majority…\u201d<\/p>\n

Original<\/em><\/span>: \u201cEarly on, he realized that revolutions don\u2019t require<\/strong> a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people\u2019s minds<\/span>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Misquote\/paraphrase<\/em><\/span>: \u201cIt does not require<\/strong> a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.<\/span>\u201d<\/p>\n

Misattribution note<\/em><\/strong><\/span>: Ackerman\u2019s 1987 description of Samuel Adams has also been misconstrued by a number of sources and attributed to Samuel Adams himself. The quote (or a similar version) does not<\/u> appear in Adams\u2019 work.<\/p>\n

For additional background and research on the Ackerman misattribution, please see this 2009 post by etymologist Barry Popik: https:\/\/www.barrypopik.com\/index.php\/new_york_city\/entry\/it_does_not_require_a_majority_to_prevail_but_rather_an_irate_tireless_mino<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-plus-circle” add_icon=”true” title=”Context” tab_id=”1453315828385-86abfac4-79bf4d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Extended excerpt<\/em><\/strong>: [On revolutionary-era politician Samuel Adams]:<\/p>\n

\u201cAdams didn\u2019t invent the phrase \u201crabble-rousing,\u201d but he raised the act to an art form. Early on, he realized that revolutions don\u2019t require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people\u2019s minds<\/span>. Dogged, subtle, eloquent and cunning, he was obsessed with a vision of the ideal state he wanted America to become. Fueled by the tonic of his self-righteousness, he published a blizzard of circulars, newspaper articles and letters that bristled with restrained indignation. The letters were signed with pseudonyms, so that it would appear that many vocal zealots were enraged, but his one-man propaganda factory wrote them all. It was his form of pyromania, and it worked.\u201d (p. 22)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-search” add_icon=”true” title=”Source Link” tab_id=”1453315828572-dac97b48-68e04d4c-8703″][vc_column_text]\n

Source link <\/em><\/strong>[Featured source]<\/span>: \u201cThe Man Who Made a Revolution\u201d (6 September 1987) Parade Magazine<\/em>, in The Kokomo Tribune<\/em>; online via Newspapers.com [subscription service]: https:\/\/www.newspapers.com\/image\/2666174<\/p>\n

Source link<\/em><\/strong> [Additional misattribution research – Barry Popik]<\/span>: \u201cIt does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority\u201d (2 December 2009) The Big Apple: https:\/\/www.barrypopik.com\/index.php\/new_york_city\/entry\/it_does_not_require_a_majority_to_prevail_but_rather_an_irate_tireless_mino<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n

Resources<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css_animation=”none” el_class=”Wrapper-Author-Resources”]Learn more about Samuel Adams<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0| Here are a few good places to start –<\/p>\n