Rather than literally burning the midnight oil, which he judged to be unhealthy, John Adams advised his son to make the most of college by developing an inquisitive outlook that would prompt him to get to know the most exceptional scholars and question them closely. "Ask them about their tutors, manner of teaching. Observe what books lie on their tables. Fall into questions of literature, science, or what you will.

Curiosity is what separates us from the cabbages. It's accelerative. The more we know, the more we want to know.

On a medical school professor noted for slowly, carefully interviewing the patient: "He taught the love of truth.

To be unable to read was the ultimate measure of wretchedness.

The author perceptively outlines what might be an underrated aspect of his subject and of many others whose public achievements are of note – a "gift for friendship". McCullough says Adams, despite his towering intellect and curmudgeonly demeanor, had a soft heart for other people and a genuine interest in their particulars.

What started me writing history happened because of some curiosity that I had about some photographs I'd seen in the Library of Congress." ()