Virtue and Simplicity of Manners are indispensably necessary in a Republic among all orders and Degrees of Men. But there is so much Rascallity, so much Venality and Corruption, so much Avarice and Ambition such a Rage for Profit and Commerce among all Ranks and Degrees of Men even in America, that I sometimes doubt whether there is public Virtue enough to Support a Republic.

John Adams (1735-1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797-1801)

Letter to Mercy Warren (8 Jan 1776)

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