John Adams loved life. He was awkward and yet confident. He was strident and yet humble. He was honest. There is no contrary side to that: he was honest. I earnestly enjoyed my reread of John Adams by David McCullough (published 2001) because his life was so ordinary and yet extraordinary at the same time. He lived at a key moment in history, when the American colonies shifted from colony to independent nation, and he got to see it all. He was an instrument in bringing it all about. As I read, I took notes of all the great quotes that stood out to me.
The first big “historical” event for Adams was his role in defending the British soldiers who had fired on civilians during the Boston “massacre.” Although it was called that, he felt strongly that all deserved a fair hearing. That is what he provided. He quoted the Marchese di Beccaria as to why he felt he needed to do that:
“If, by supporting the rights of mankind, and of invincible truth, I shall contribute to save from the agonies of death one unfortunate victim of tyranny or of ignorance, equally fatal, his blessings and years of transport will be sufficient consolation to me for the contempt of mankind.” (page 60)
That he did so led to a loss in reputation, for people were not happy about the British soldiers in 1770. Yet, Adams did not let unpopularity stop him from doing what he knew was right.
He then helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence. Of government, he had much to say, especially emphasizing the need for morality and goodness in government: “That form of government with virtue as its foundation was more likely than any other to promote the general happiness” (page 93). And though he wasn’t pleased to be only relegated to the role of politician, he observed, “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy” (page 216). He knew his role and strived to be the political leader needed in his time.
He had faults, of course. In a letter in 1783, Benjamin Franklin wrote of Adams, “he means well for his country, is always an honest man, often a wise one, but sometimes and in some things, absolutely out of his senses” (Benjamin Franklin to Robert Livingston, 1783; page 259). Yes John Adams was vociferous and probably not always the most kind person. He’d say what needed to be said. He made plenty of mistakes. When he was Vice President, he owned up to this: “I have looked into myself . . . and see no dishonesty there. I see weakness enough. But no timidity.” (Adams, in response to criticism as Vice President and President; page 418). I love that for him, it was honesty that meant the most. I feel like it still does, which is why it’s so hard to see the USA failing to live up to its potential lately. Honesty is the best policy. In a letter to his daughter, he wrote “regard the honor and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances” (page 263).
(Incidentally, during various scandals, Adams’ friend Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote, “A hundred years hence, absolute monarchy will probably be rendered necessary in our country by the corruption of our people” (page 374). I’m not ready to give up yet, but this does seem somewhat prophetic given how corrupt our government is today. It’s too bad that it is the government that is trying to be a monarchy that is so corrupt. Sigh.)
Adams knew the significance of the era he lived in. “These are the times in which a genius would wish to live.” (John Adams in a letter to his son in 1783?, page 206). He and his son were nicely situated for that! Although they may not have been geniuses, they certainly were in the right place to make a huge difference. Signing the Declaration of Independence. Negotiating peace with England. First Vice President. Second President. He was in the right place at the right time.
Newspapers were not kind to John Adams, who was overweight, short, bald, and toothless by old age. Yet when he first accepted the presidency, there was some kind press: “John Adams, it was said, was ‘a good husband, a good father, a good citizen, and a good man'” (page 500). McCullough goes on later to exoll some of Adams’ successes: “In his four years as President, there had been no scandal or corruption. . . .he had managed nonetheless to cope with a divided country and a divided party, and in the end achieved a rare level of statesmanship.” (page 516)
So why is this great man not known more? Maybe because he was so humble about it all. He said, “I never could bring myself seriously to consider that I was a great man, or of much importance or consideration in the world… Enough surely of egotism” (page 537). I like the humility, but it does make it hard to brag on and get schools named after you. How many Washington and Jefferson schools are there? And why not Adams? It makes me sad because he was such a good guy.
McCullough’s long and thorough biography used letters and journals for much of the material, and Adams did not, as can be seen, think too highly of himself. He made mistakes. I loved how readable the biography was, and with all the letters, it did feel like I was there for the significant events.
McCullough suggest this be Adams’ epitaph: “Griefs upon griefs! Disappointments upon disappointments. What then? This is a gay, merry world notwithstanding” (page 593). What love for life this great man had!
