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There is one principle which pervades all the institutions of this country, and which must always operate as an obstacle to the granting of favors to new comers. This is a land, not of privileges, but of equal rights.

— John Quincy Adams Letter written as Secretary of State under President James Monroe (1819)

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More quotes by John Quincy Adams

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.

Report on the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution (1846)

The conflict between the principle of liberty and the fact of slavery is coming gradually to an issue. Slavery has now the power, and falls into convulsions at the approach of freedom.

He devoted himself, his life, his fortune, his hereditary honors, his towering ambition, his splendid hopes, all to the cause of liberty.

Oration on Lafayette (1834)

Pronounce him one of the first men of his age, and you have yet not done him justice.

Oration on Lafayette (1834)

This is the last of Earth! I am content.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: John Quincy Adams (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.