Who said “Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the…”?

Verified

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

SourceLetter to Thomas Jefferson (2 February 1816)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.”
VerifiedLetter to Thomas Jefferson (2 February 1816) · evidencePower

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Letter to Thomas Jefferson (2 February 1816).

APA

Adams, J. (n.d.). Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1008-power-always-thinks-it-has-a-great-soul/

MLA

Adams, John. “Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1008-power-always-thinks-it-has-a-great-soul/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Adams, John. “Power always thinks it has a great soul and vast views beyond the comprehension of the weak.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/1008-power-always-thinks-it-has-a-great-soul/.