John Adams Quotes

The only motive that can keep politics pure is the motive of doing good for one's country and its people.

The most important, what I believe myself to do, is what is the interest of Lebanon, what is the interest of my country and my nation? And I'm going to do it fully.

Politics and self-interest have been so uniformly connected, that the world, from being so often deceived, has a right to be suspicious of public characters.

I didn't -- I swear I didn't -- get into politics to feather my nest or feather my friends' nests.

Our politics suffers from a shortage of people who put character and country before career and personal gain.

We want men to rule the nation who care more for and love better the nation's welfare than gold and silver, fame or popularity.

I get the feeling a lot of politicians are there to help themselves financially, first and foremost. I don't really need to do that, and I thought if I could do something for sport in Scotland, that would be really fulfilling.

I have always served the public to the best of my ability. Why? Because, like every other man, it is to my interest to do so.

To be interested in the public good we must be disinterested, that is, not interested in goods in which our personal selves are wrapped up.

If you think too much about being re-elected, it is very difficult to be worth re-electing.

The leader is supposed to represent the community, the public good. He's supposed to be the focal point and the guide and the inspiration, and to represent a concern for the public good. The trouble is, the tragic problem is, very often, when you are a leader and pursue the public good, it may be at the expense of your private interests in a very drastic way

Men in their private capacities may be allowed to prefer their single profit, but should consult only the general good in public councils.

Our interests and our preferences may or may not be the same thing at the same time …. The unswerving pursuit of preferences over interests may compromise the advancement and protection of both.

George W. Bush has shown himself to be a decent guy, not exploiting his former office to make top dollars giving speeches.

Let's start with a basic question: Do we, as a country, want our most highly qualified employees from the private sector to pursue public service? The answer, I would imagine, should be yes.

One hopes that good, sensible and brave people will continue to go into public life at all levels.

In 'Profiles in Courage,' my grandfather, John F. Kennedy, praised leadership that put country above party, elevated principles over petty politics and promoted progress before personal interests.

To this hour, the great science and duty of politics is lowered by the petty leaven of small and personal advantage.

Love or affection towards an individual or nation, is indicated by good action snot merely be words. The adoration towards nation is expressed by works of welfare equally done by the ruler and theruled. The ruler himself must be engatged, in welfare of th country and also should select officials examining their involvement with the public god. Self-centered people greedy of the power should be kept away

Unfortunately politicians are not very sound people or they wouldn't be politicians.

When business starts using its voice for the benefit of the country as a whole, not just in its narrow self interest, it can really be the force that can make the changes that need to be made.

Career politicians do not have the courage to prioritize spending and say no to demanding special interest groups who do not reflect the best interests of the country.

It is not worth it to sacrifice the interest of the country for the sake of my son.

An honest public servant can't become rich in politics. He can only attain greatness and satisfaction by service.

I have no private purpose to accomplish, no party objectives to build up, no enemies to punish-nothing to serve but my country.