Abigail Adams Quotes

A collection of quotes by Abigail Adams.

Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was an influential American figure, known for her strong intellect and remarkable advocacy for women's rights. She was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and grew up in a loving, intellectual environment. In 1764, she married John Adams, who would later become the second President of the United States.

During her husband's political career, Abigail Adams played a crucial role as his closest advisor. Their letters exchanged while separated became invaluable historical documents, reflecting her sharp insights on political matters and her unique perspective as a woman. Abigail often shared her own opinions and concerns with her husband, emphasizing the importance of women's inclusion in decision-making processes.

A fervent supporter of independence, Adams actively participated in the American Revolutionary War by rallying women to boycott British goods. She believed in the importance of education and encouraged her children—including future President John Quincy Adams—to pursue knowledge and intellectual growth.

Abigail Adams is particularly renowned for her early advocacy of women's rights. In a well-known letter to her husband in 1776, she implored him to "Remember the Ladies" while drafting the new laws for the independent nation. Her plea highlighted the marginalized position of women in society and stressed their need for legal protections and equal opportunities.

Abigail Adams's unwavering spirit, intelligence, and commitment to social progress make her an inspirational figure and an influential voice in American history. Her legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is

These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed.

Abigail Adams

Life Character Genius

I am more and more convinced that man is a dangerous creatur

I am more and more convinced that man is a dangerous creature and that power, whether vested in many or a few, is ever grasping, and like the grave, cries, 'Give, give.'

Abigail Adams

Power

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for wi

Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.

Abigail Adams

Education

Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands.

Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could.

Abigail Adams

Marriage

Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so b

Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since.

Abigail Adams

Knowledge

We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions th

We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.

Abigail Adams

Words

Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for wi

Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.

Abigail Adams

Learning

If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers, we sh

If we mean to have heroes, statesmen and philosophers, we should have learned women.

Abigail Adams

Women

I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly re

I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic.

Abigail Adams

Intelligence

Arbitrary power is like most other things which are very har

Arbitrary power is like most other things which are very hard, very liable to be broken.

Abigail Adams

Power

Wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the

Wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues.

Abigail Adams

Experience