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Tag: John Adams

The Precious Advantage of a Tutor in Home Education | James Adams

by Daniel Foucachon on Posted on

The Education of John Quincy Adams In this letter (full letter below), John Adams is writing to his son about his education, its importance, and the subjects that should be the focus of his attention, which were “Your exercises in Latin and Greek” which “must not be omitted a single day…”. He also encourages him to plod steadily, staying that “a regular distribution of your time is of great importance.” The Precious Advantage of a Tutor Adams was very personally invested in his son’s education and upbringing, and in this letter and others references his library, pointing his son to … Continue Reading “The Precious Advantage of a Tutor in Home Education | James Adams”

American Independence: A joyous and solemn occasion

by Daniel Foucachon on Posted on

The words of John Adams in a letter to his wife Abigail the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence are often quoted by Patriots on the 4th of July, and should be! But the full context of that letter shows a more solemn side that we don’t quote as often. In this letter, dated July 3rd (the Constitution was actually signed July 2nd), John Adams says, “When I look back…and recollect the series of political Events, the Chain of Causes and Effects, I am surprised at the Suddenness, as well as the Greatness of this Revolution. Britain … Continue Reading “American Independence: A joyous and solemn occasion”

John Adams to his son: Read Thucydides

by Daniel Foucachon on Posted on

John Adams wrote to his son, John Quincy Adams, soon after the Declaration of Independence, exhorting him to read Thucydides as a way to be best prepared for the days ahead of him as a leader. Here is the full letter: My dear Son, As the War in which your Country is engaged will probably hereafter attract your Attention, more than it does at this Time, and as the future Circumstances of your Country, may require other Wars, as well as Councils and Negotiations, similar to those which are now in Agitation, I wish to turn your Thoughts early to such … Continue Reading “John Adams to his son: Read Thucydides”