Tag Archives: First Principles

First Principles: There Exists In the Economy and Course of Nature, An Indissoluble Union Between Virtue and Happiness

“There exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity.” – … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: A Republic Is Defined As A Government of Laws, and Not of Men

“They define a republic to be a government of laws, and not of men.” – John Adams (1775) Not a democracy, a republic.   How have so many lost their way on this one, both sides of the majoritarian aisle. … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: Mankind Must Be Ready To Sacrifice To Protect the Rights of Society

“Men must be ready, they must pride themselves and be happy to sacrifice their private pleasures, passions and interests, nay, their private friendships and dearest connections, when they stand in competition with the rights of society.” – John Adams (1776) … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: Endeavor Not Only To Be Learned But Virtuous

“A good moral character is the first essential in a man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through life. It is therefore highly important that you should … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: Laws Are Made For Men of Ordinary Understanding and Should Be Construed By Ordinary Rules of Common Sense

“Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: It Is Error Only, and Not Truth, That Shrinks From Inquiry

“It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry.”  – Thomas Paine, philosopher and writer (9 Feb 1737-1809)    

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: We Must Not Let Our Rulers Load Us With Perpetual Debt

“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.” – Thomas Jefferson (1816)     Regardless of which side of the divide in politics we sit on, we should each recognize that leaving perpetual debt on our children’s … Continue reading

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: A Little Matter Will Move A Party, But, It Must Be Something Great That Moves A Nation

“A little matter will move a party, but it must be something great that moves a nation.” – Thomas Paine (1792)    

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: Knowledge Will Forever Govern Ignorance and A People Who Mean To Be Their Own Governors Must Arm Themselves With the Power Which Knowledge Gives

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

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First Principles: Our Constitution Is Made Only For A Moral and Religious People and Wholly Inadequate To the Government of Any Others

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams (1798) The choice in this pending election is liberty or socialism.  Choose wisely.    

Posted in First Principles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment