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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.

— John Quincy Adams

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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)

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.

Westward the star of empire takes its way.

Oration at Plymouth (1802)

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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.