Libby, my new neighbor, gave me her spare copy of David McCullough’s biography of John Adams. Haven’t had a chance to get too far into it, but have already come across two quotes that I have added to my quotes page:
Upon common theaters, indeed, the applause of the audience is of more importance to the actors than their own approbation. But upon the stage of life, while conscience claps, let the world hiss! On the contrary if conscience disapproves, the loudest applauses of the world are of little value.
Ambition is one of the most ungovernable passions of the human heart. The love of power is insatiable and uncontrollable….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.
Thanks, Libby!