The Wisdom of our Founding Fathers

The American Flag at Headquarters Marine Corp beside Arlington National Cemetery

As we celebrate our Nations birthday I wanted to bring to attention the wisdom of our Founding Fathers.

There is no definitive guide that identifies our Founding Fathers. Some consider any patriot at the time who served or sponsored the effort to gain our Independence can be considered a Founding Father. Others say it is the signers of our Declaration of Independence or framed our Constitution. In 1973 historian Richard B. Morris wrote "Seven Who Shaped Our Destiny: The Founding Fathers as Revolutionaries". Morris identified John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington as the men who were key in the birth of our Nation and identified these men as our founding fathers.

Below you will find quotes from several of our Founding Fathers. Quotes that every American should read and consider.

 

 

John Adams

"But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever."

Benjamin Franklin

"Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is."

Alexander Hamilton

"A fondness for power is implanted, in most men, and it is natural to abuse it, when acquired."

Thomas Jefferson

"Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, Judges, and Governors, shall all become wolves."

James Madison

"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."

Thomas Paine

"A nation under a well regulated government, should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support."

George Washington

"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government."

John Jay

"It is much to be wished that slavery may be abolished. The honour of the States, as well as justice and humanity, in my opinion, loudly call upon them to emancipate these unhappy people. To contend for our own liberty, and to deny that blessing to others, involves an inconsistency not to be excused."