John Quincy Adams: Mint of Gold
on Sunday, July 11, 2021John Quincy Adams Money Quote saying our desire begins with little, but grows to wish for ever more as we acquire. John Quincy Adams said:
“Man wants but little here below Nor wants that little long, ‘Tis not with me exactly so; But ’tis so in the song. My wants are many, and, if told, Would muster many a score; And were each wish a mint of gold, I still should long for more” — John Quincy Adams
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In this quote, John Quincy Adams is contrasting the sentiment expressed in the well-known poem “The Want Not” with his own personal experience and nature. In the poem, it states that man wants “but little here below” and does not desire even that “little long”.
However, Adams says “it is not exactly so” for him. He acknowledges his desires and wants are in fact “many” and numerous, not easily satisfied or contained.
Adams also suggests that even if each wish could magically be granted and transform into gold or wealth, his appetite and ambition would remain insatiable, as he “still should long for more”.
The quote conveys Adams’ self-awareness that unlike the poem’s characterization of human contentment, he possesses an innate drive and constant craving for more accomplishments, experiences and material gain in life.
Birthday: July 11, 1767 – Death: February 23, 1848