John Adams, letter to Joseph Priestley (February 19, 1792) as quoted by Jenny Graham, "Revolutionary in Exile: The Emigration of Joseph Priestley to America 1794-1804" Transactions of the American Philosophical Society (1995) new series, 85, No. 2, p. 177. See also Steven Johnson, The Invention of Air (2008) p. 8.
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Inquisitions and Despotisms are not alone in persecuting Philosophers. The people themselves, we see, are capable of persecuting a Priestley, as another people formerly persecuted Socrates.
— John Adams on Joseph Priestley
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Inquisitions and Despotisms are not alone in persecuting Philosophers. The people themselves, we see, are capable of persecuting a Priestley, as another people formerly persecuted Socrates." in the context of "John Adams, letter to Joseph Priestley (February 19, 1792) as quoted by Jenny Graham, "Revolutionary in Exile: The Emigration of Joseph Priestley to America 1794-1804" Transactions of the American Philosophical Society (1995) new series, 85, No. 2, p. 177. See also Steven Johnson, The Invention of Air (2008) p. 8." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Joseph Priestley" (Quotes about Priestley)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About John Adams
John Adams (30 October 1735 – 4 July 1826) was an American lawyer, author, statesman, and diplomat. He served as the second president of the United States (1797–1801), the first vice president (1789–1797), and as a Founding Father was a leader of American independence from the British Empire. Adams was a political theorist in the Age of Enlightenment who promoted republicanism and a strong central government. His innovative ideas were frequently published. He was also a dedicated diarist and correspondent, particularly with his wife and key advisor Abigail. He was the father of John Quincy Adams.
About John Adams
John Adams (30 October 1735 – 4 July 1826) was an American lawyer, author, statesman, and diplomat. He served as the second president of the United States (1797–1801), the first vice president (1789–1797), and as a Founding Father was a leader of American independence from the British Empire. Adams was a political theorist in the Age of Enlightenment who promoted republicanism and a strong central government. His innovative ideas were frequently published. He was also a dedicated diarist and correspondent, particularly with his wife and key advisor Abigail. He was the father of John Quincy Adams.
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