Who said “The happiness of society is the end of government.”?

Verified

John Adams. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThoughts on Government (1776)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Thoughts on Government (1776).

APA

Adams, J. (n.d.). The happiness of society is the end of government. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/30925-the-happiness-of-society-is-the-end-of/

MLA

Adams, John. “The happiness of society is the end of government.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/30925-the-happiness-of-society-is-the-end-of/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Adams, John. “The happiness of society is the end of government.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/30925-the-happiness-of-society-is-the-end-of/.