Noah Webster Quotes

A collection of quotes by Noah Webster.

Noah Webster was an American lexicographer, educator, language reformer, and writer. He was born on October 16, 1758, in West Hartford, Connecticut, and is best known for his compilation of the American Dictionary of the English Language. Webster began his career as a teacher and lawyer before turning his attention to language.

His most significant contribution was the publication of the American Dictionary, which aimed to standardize American spelling and pronunciation. By incorporating distinctively American vocabulary and simplifying British English terms, he sought to create a uniquely American language. The dictionary was first published in 1828 and became immensely popular, shaping the nation's language and promoting a unified American identity.

In addition to his dictionary work, Webster authored numerous textbooks, including spelling books, grammars, and language guides. He believed in an education system that emphasized a distinctly American curriculum and helped shape the early development of American education.

Webster's influence extended far beyond his lexicographical and educational achievements. His dedication to language reform, linguistic nationalism, and the development of a distinct American identity made a lasting impact on American culture. Noah Webster passed away on May 28, 1843, leaving behind a rich linguistic and educational legacy that continues to shape the English language used in the United States today.

The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scripture

The moral principles and precepts contained in the Scripture ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws.

Politics Religion Inspirational

No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian

No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people.

Religion

When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorali

When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor he betrays the interest of his country.

Trust

It is the sincere desire of the writer that our citizens sho

It is the sincere desire of the writer that our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian religion.

Religion

Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or

Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground.

Language

All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime

All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.

Men

The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the

The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions.

Government

In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and

In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed.

Government

Another source of power in government is a military force. B

Another source of power in government is a military force. But this, to be efficient, must be superior to any force that exists among the people, or which they can command; for otherwise this force would be annihilated, on the first exercise of acts of oppression. Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretense, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealous will instantly inspire the inclination to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive...

Military