A John Adams Quote

I have enjoyed David McCullough's book on John Adams immensely. I can't recommend the book enough. I've been enjoying the audio version in the car as I drive to and from Kalamazoo and Holland, and I'm so completely taken with the book I plan on purchasing a hard copy. It gives remarkable insight into our Revolution and the founding of our nation. I had no clue what John Adams role really was. Every American owes a huge debt of gratitude to him. It was said at the time of our nation's founding that the Revolution stood upon the shoulders of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and John Adams. America would not be what it is today if it weren't for him. He is undeniably one of the most important and greatest Americans in history. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

You learn much about the man through quotes from Adams' letters which are liberally peppered throughout the book. The quote below came from a letter Adams wrote late in life. I found the last two sentences quite elegant, and filled with truth.

"One evening, watching his granddaughters Susanna and Abigail blowing soap bubbles with one of his clay pipes, Adams wondered about the "allegorical lesson" of the scene:

Adams wrote: 'They fill the air of the room with their bubbles, their air balloons, which roll and shine reflecting the light of the fire and candles, and which are very beautiful. There can be no more perfect emblem of the physical and political and theological scenes of human life. Morality only is eternal. All the rest is balloon and bubble from the cradle to the grave.' "