As to the history of the revolution, my ideas may be peculiar, perhaps singular. What do we mean by the revolution? The war? That was no part of the revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775, in the course of fifteen years, before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington.

Summary

In this quote, American founding father John Adams highlights his unique perspective on the American Revolution. He asserts that the revolution was not merely the physical war fought between the colonists and the British but rather a profound transformation that occurred within the thoughts and beliefs of the American people. Adams argues that this mental revolution took place over the span of fifteen years, long before any blood was shed in the famous battle of Lexington. By emphasizing the ideological shift, Adams highlights the significance of ideas and shared values in bringing about revolutionary change.