The Fourth of July is coming up and it’s time to put aside our political differences and reflect on what our country and its founders have provided us. No country will ever be perfect, but there is much to be grateful for. In the lead up to Independence Day, we encourage you to read through the following quotes from our founding fathers and mothers and consider how you can apply their wisdom to your own celebration this year. Above all, we hope you have an incredible holiday!
1. “If conscience disapproves, the loudest applauses of the world are of little value.” – John Adams
2. “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” – Thomas Jefferson
3. “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.” – Abigail Adams
4. “We must go home to be happy, and our home is not in this world. Here we have nothing to do but our duty.” – John Jay
5. “Those who stand for nothing fall for everything.” – Alexander Hamilton
6. “I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” – Martha Washington
7. “Our country may be likened to a new house. We lack many things, but we possess the most precious of all – liberty!” – James Monroe
8. “It is one of my sources of happiness never to desire a knowledge of other people’s business.” – Dolley Madison
9. Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” – Benjamin Franklin
10. “If we mean to have heroes, statesmen, and philosophers, we should have learned women.” – Abigail Adams
11. “The people are the only legitimate fountain of power.” – James Madison
12. “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” – George Washington
13. “Today the American knight holds the commercial supremacy of the world.” – Betsy Ross
14. “Always stand on principle… even if you stand alone.” – John Adams
15. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” – George Washington
16. “We carry the seeds of happiness with us wherever we go.” – Martha Washington
17. “The liberty, prosperity, and the happiness of our country will always be the object of my most fervent prayers to the Supreme Author of All Good.” – James Monroe
18. “I never expect a perfect work from an imperfect man.” – Alexander Hamilton
19. “The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.” – James Madison
20. “It is not in the still calm of life that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues.” – Abigail Adams