weary..........................

 

     I am weary of contemplating Nations from the lowest and most beastly degradations of human Life, to the highest Refinement of Civilization:  I am weary of Philosophers, Theologians, Politicians, and Historians.  They are immense Masses of Absurdities, Vices and Lies.  Montesquieu had sense enough to say in Jest, that all our Knowledge might be comprehended in twelve Pages in Duodecimo: and, I believe him, in earnest.  I could express my faith in shorter terms.  He who loves the Workman and his Work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of him.

-John Adams, from his June 28, 1812 letter to Thomas Jefferson