Who said “If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?”?

Misattributed

Not John Adams. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundListed as misattributed to John Adams; no source in their known works.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?”
MisattributedListed as misattributed to John Adams; no source in their known works. · evidenceService
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APA

“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?” [Quotation attributed to John Adams]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31018-if-we-do-not-lay-out-ourselves-in/

MLA

“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?” Attributed to John Adams. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31018-if-we-do-not-lay-out-ourselves-in/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“If we do not lay out ourselves in the service of mankind whom should we serve?” Attributed to John Adams. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/31018-if-we-do-not-lay-out-ourselves-in/.