1776

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.

The Wealth of Nations · 1776

★ 9.9

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Declaration of Independence

1776

★ 8.9

Every individual necessarily labours to render the annual revenue of the society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it... he intends only his own security... and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention.

The Wealth of Nations · 1776

★ 7.2

But where says some is the king of America?...In America the law is king.

I agree with you, that in Politicks the Middle Way is none at all.

Common Sense · 1776

★ 7.2

Letter

John Adams

1776

★ 7.1

The happiness of society is the end of government.

John Adams

1776

★ 7.1

If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.

The Crisis · 1776

★ 7.0

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial and article as Freedom should not be highly rated.

The American Crisis · 1776

★ 6.9

The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind.

Common Sense · 1776

★ 6.4

That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved.

Declaration of Independence

1776

★ 6.1

And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

Declaration of Independence

1776

★ 5.5

With the greater part of rich people, the chief enjoyment of riches consists in the parade of riches; which, in their eye is never so complete as when they appear to possess those decisive marks of opulence which nobody can possess but themselves.

He who dares not offend cannot be honest.

The Wealth of Nations · 1776

★ 5.5

Open letter · Political literature

The Forester's Letters · 1776

★ 5.5

When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.

No, Sir; to act from pure benevolence is not possible for finite beings. Human benevolence is mingled with vanity, interest, or some other motive.

Common Sense · 1776

★ 5.5

Biography

Samuel Johnson

James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D · 1776

★ 5.4

That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

Richard Henry Lee

Lee Resolution · 1776

★ 5.1

Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition.

The Wealth of Nations · 1776

★ 3.9

There is no art which one government sooner learns of another, than that of draining money from the pockets of the people.

The Wealth of Nations · 1776

★ 3.9

We have it in our power to begin the world over again.