I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geograhy, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.

Summary

This quote is attributed to John Adams and expresses the importance of education and sacrifice for future generations. Adams emphasizes the need to prioritize the study of politics and war to secure freedom for his sons, so they can then pursue mathematics and philosophy. He further adds that his sons should study various subjects like geography, natural history, and commerce to provide a foundation for their children to have the privilege of exploring artistic fields such as painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain. It emphasizes a vision of progress built on the sacrifices and education of previous generations.

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