I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study
Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and
Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation,
Commerce, and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to
study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry, and
Porcelaine.
- Letter to
Abigail Adams, May 12, 1780
This quote has been slightly misquoted from time to time, but summed up beautifully as
I am a warrior so that my son may be a merchant and his son may be a poet. Pretty spectacular stuff.
(photo kidnapped from biography)
One of me favourite Americans . . . even if he wasn't so hot as a Prezzie he was still the bee's knees!
ReplyDeleteThis quote of his was too spectacular NOT to post! He was the bee's knees indeed.
ReplyDelete