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Wisdom from John Adams
- 01/06/08
- 11
For a long time now I’ve been reading David McCullough’s biography of John Adams. Because the book has collided a little bit with vacation and with some “necessary” reading, it has taken me a long time to get through it, even though it is a very enjoyable read. Within the book I’ve found a couple of great quotes from the pen of John Adams—quotes that have stuck with me. Adams is in some ways a man after my own heart and he shows it in these words:
“I want to see my children every day. I want to see my grass and blossoms and corn … But above all, except the wife and children, I want to see my books.”
Those words resonate with me. My books are among my greatest pleasure and when I find I do not have time to read, I miss it a lot. There is pleasure to be found both in the books and in the experience of reading them.
And again:
“The only way to compose myself and collect my thoughts is to set down at my table, place my diary before me, and take my pen into my hand. This apparatus takes off my attention from other objects. Pen, ink, and paper and a sitting posture are great helps to attention and thinking.”
I, too, find that I can get very little thinking done, and cannot hold my attention for long, if I do not do my thinking with the assistance of pen, ink and paper.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I write books and blogs for fun while doing web design and consulting for a living. I worship and serve at 
Published in 2008, this book
This is a guide that calls men,
This review of the bestselling
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Comments (11)
In spite of its length, this was an easy read and one of the best books I have ever read. Adams exhibited true genius and was a real forward-thinker. His work on the constitution for Mass. still remains and in many respects was a forerunner to the US Constitution.
tim and steve,
I read the adams bio some time ago and enjoyed it. However I enjoyed even more chernow's wonderful recent tome on alexander hamilton which I blogged ab a few mos agohere. I think that you will find it nicely compliments your reading of Adams. fwiw and blessings,
Great quotes Tim, thanks for passing them along. I've always wanted to read McCullough but haven't picked him up yet. Thanks for reminding me to read him!
Hear Hear! Books and writing. God's given us an immense blessing in the printed and written word, all the way down to the materials we use for them.
Great quotes, & true, thanks for sharing them Tim.
McCullough is one of my favorite authors - he makes history come alive. After reading this biography, John Adams became one of my favorite people in American History. He taught me the importance of my journal, books and letter writing. Thanks Tim for posting these quotes they need to be read and re-read.
Blessings,Dustin
Great quotes!
McCullough's book, 1776, is available in audio books from the NetLibrary. I often listen to audio books while I walk. Listening to books makes walking and exercising something I eagerly look forward too.
I started reading the book over Christmas. I loved the story of Adams and Franklin sharing a small bed in a small room with Franklin talking about the merits of the night air. Adams said he enjoyed it so much that he soon fell asleep! Sounds like some of my deacons!!
I thought that I was the only person in the world reading that! It's a great book. Takes some time to read, but great.
I also picked up his book on Harry Truman. I have yet to start that one, but will do so soon.
I have been listening to "John Adams" in audio form on my ipod. I've also downloaded "1776" and thoroughly enjoyed both. One of my favorite John Adams quotes is "freedom and religion endure together or perish alone".
A great book by a great writer. I think David McCullough is one of best historians writing today. McCullough and the late Stephen Ambrose make reading history enjoyable. No revisionism here.