David McCullough Quotes

In America, applause is won only by physical exertion.

Talk helps shape one's thoughts.

The author perceptively outlines what might be an underrated aspect of his subject and of many others whose public achievements are of note – a "gift for friendship". McCullough says Adams, despite his towering intellect and curmudgeonly demeanor, had a soft heart for other people and a genuine interest in their particulars.

Rather than literally burning the midnight oil, which he judged to be unhealthy, John Adams advised his son to make the most of college by developing an inquisitive outlook that would prompt him to get to know the most exceptional scholars and question them closely. "Ask them about their tutors, manner of teaching. Observe what books lie on their tables. Fall into questions of literature, science, or what you will.

On a medical school professor noted for slowly, carefully interviewing the patient: "He taught the love of truth.

Curiosity is what separates us from the cabbages. It's accelerative. The more we know, the more we want to know.

The reason is, because it’s of more importance to community, that innocence should be protected, than it is, that guilt should be punished.

Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives. - John Adams