Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of

Hear the stirring words of John Adams, one of the architects of liberty and a founding father of America: “Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.” These words are not only counsel for a young nation, but a cry across the ages to all generations. Adams knew that the survival of freedom rests not on weapons alone, but upon the cultivation of minds and hearts. To cherish knowledge is to guard the very soul of civilization, and to exercise the courage to read, think, speak, and write is to live as free men rather than slaves.

The ancients also echoed this truth. In Athens, the democracy of the people flourished only because citizens were encouraged to debate, to listen, to sharpen their minds through discourse. To speak and to write openly was not merely an individual privilege but the lifeblood of their society. Tyrants, on the other hand, always sought to silence thought, to burn books, to bind the tongues of men. Adams, a student of history, knew this well: that the first chains a despot forges are not of iron, but of ignorance. Thus he called upon his people to cherish every path to knowledge as a sacred trust.

Consider the tale of Frederick Douglass, born into bondage, denied the right to read or write. He risked his very life to steal moments of learning, to grasp letters and words, to break the chains of enforced ignorance. And when he learned, he proclaimed, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” His knowledge gave him strength, his voice shook the halls of power, and his writings awakened a nation’s conscience. Douglass is living proof of Adams’ words—that to read, think, speak, and write is to wield weapons sharper than any sword, weapons that can undo injustice itself.

Adams also spoke with tenderness: “Let us tenderly and kindly cherish.” Why with tenderness? Because knowledge is fragile if neglected. A library left untended gathers dust, a mind untrained falls into slumber. The means of knowledge must be nurtured like a garden, watered daily with curiosity, guarded against the weeds of prejudice and fear. If neglected, they wither; if cherished, they yield fruits of wisdom for generations. It is not enough to prize knowledge in word alone—it must be lovingly cultivated with patience and reverence.

The command to dare is equally important. For to read, think, speak, and write is not always safe. In every age, there are forces that fear truth, that tremble before the free mind. Adams knew that tyranny could rise even in his own time, and that courage would be required to defend liberty. To read widely is to risk being changed. To think deeply is to risk questioning what others accept. To speak boldly is to risk opposition. To write truth is to risk persecution. Yet without daring, knowledge remains locked away, and freedom dies in silence.

This is the lesson for us: cherish the means of knowledge with love, but also defend them with courage. Do not allow books to be forgotten, nor questions to be silenced, nor truth to be chained. Take up the sacred duty to read not only what comforts you, but what challenges you. Think beyond what is handed down, test it, weigh it, make it your own. Speak with honesty, though the world resists. Write with conviction, so that future generations may know that you lived as a lover of truth.

What then must you do? Begin each day by feeding your mind. Read deeply, not idly. Reflect in silence, sharpen your thought. Share your voice, not in anger, but in clarity and courage. Write not only for yourself, but to leave behind a legacy of wisdom. In this way, you will honor Adams’ plea, and your life will be a flame keeping alive the torch of freedom and learning.

Thus remember John Adams’ words: “Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.” In them lies the path of all free men and women. Cherish the flame, dare to carry it, and pass it onward—so that no darkness, however deep, may extinguish the light of truth.