John Adams: “Remember, democracy never lasts long”

Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to say that democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious, or less avaricious than aristocracy or monarchy. It is not true, in fact, and nowhere appears in history. Those passions are the same in all men, under all forms of simple government, and when unchecked, produce the same effects of fraud, violence, and cruelty.

—John Adams, Letters to John Taylor (1814)

2 thoughts on “John Adams: “Remember, democracy never lasts long””

  1. Only wonder if women could make a difference in the outcome. We are only 250 years young. What will go first? planet or American democracy. Both are on fast track. #extinctionrebellion

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