What John Adams thinks about happiness

@john-adams · 15 positions · On ppll ↗

Second US President (1735 to 1826); author of Thoughts on Government.

John Adams did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

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Only John Adams on happiness. See everyone on happiness

2 dated positions, c. 1776, in their own words. Our reading of what John Adams has said — not written or endorsed by them.

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1. c. 1776

   Our readingThe happiness of society is the purpose of government

   government

   Their wordsUpon this point all speculative politicians will agree, that the happiness of society is the end of government, as all divines and moral philosophers will agree that the happiness of the individual is the end of man.

   ↗Thoughts on Government (1776)en.wikisource.org All 15 from this book

3. c. 1776

   Our readingThe best government gives happiness to the greatest number in the greatest degree

   government

   Their wordsFrom this principle it will follow, that the form of government which communicates ease, comfort, security, or, in one word, happiness, to the greatest number of persons, and in the greatest degree, is the best.

   ↗Thoughts on Government (1776)en.wikisource.org All 15 from this book