> That's a quite literal interpretation of the quote, which I did not intend. Yes, but considering the contemporary assault on democracy and the rule of law, i

> That's a quite literal interpretation of the quote, which I did not intend. Yes, but considering the contemporary assault on democracy and the rule of law, it seems apt. > the call to favour pragmatism I believe Adams had intended It depends on what you mean by pragmatism. I'd call it public pragmatism, not mere private pragmatism. Adams calls it his "duty" to study, and goes on to talk about the "liberty" and "right" to student other subjects. The obvious interpretation, I think, especially given who Adams is and his role in the founding of the US, is that he has the obligation to fight for democracy and liberty. Otherwise, he could probably just accumulate person wealth and allow his literal descendants, and those only, to study whatever they want.