The Founding Fathers of the United States rank among some of history’s most prominent figures. Together, they united the 13 colonies, won the Revolutionary War, established a new nation, and penned some of the most notable documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They were, and remain, historical heavyweights, especially the seven key figures of John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and George Washington.
These were serious men of strong words and weighty actions. “They were iron men,” Abraham Lincoln once said, “they fought for the principle that they were contending for.” Of course, along with their contributions to the inception of the United States, we must also acknowledge the elephant in the room: Many of these men were enslavers. At the same time they were fighting for the freedom of some, they were actively participating in the oppression of others.
They left behind a complicated legacy, to be sure. These men lived through dark and contentious times, during which they gave speeches and wrote essays and letters that inspired their contemporaries, with wise words and evocative rallying cries such as Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death!” In addition to these renowned quotes, the Founding Fathers also made plenty of sharp, insightful, and occasionally witty lesser-known remarks. Here are some of the best, covering everything from secret-keeping to matters of style.
Thanks be to God, that he gave me Stubborness, when I know I am right.John Adams
A chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life.John Hancock
If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms.Samuel Adams
I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.Thomas Jefferson
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.Benjamin Franklin
The essence of Government is power; and power lodged as it must be, in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.James Madison
He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.Benjamin Franklin
The wise know their weakness too well to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows best how little he knows.Thomas Jefferson
It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.George Washington
I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man.Alexander Hamilton
Let me recommend the best medicine in the world: a long journey, at a mild season, through a pleasant country, in easy stages.James Madison
It is not easy to be wise for all times, not even for the present — much less for the future; and those who judge of the past must recollect that, when it was present, the present was future.Gouverneur Morris
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.Thomas Jefferson
That men should pray and fight for their own freedom, and yet keep others in slavery, is certainly acting a very inconsistent, as well as unjust and, perhaps, impious part; but the history of mankind is filled with instances of human improprieties.John Jay
Life is sufficiently short without shaking the sand that measures it.Thomas Paine
My movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.George Washington (30 days before his first inauguration)
Featured image credit: Hulton Fine Art Collection via Getty Images
