OTD October 2, 1778, 11-year old #JohnQuincyAdams wrote to his brother from Paris about the benefits of learning French.
“Papa laments very much his having neglected this study in his youth, in terms so pathetical as to have made a deep impression upon my mind, and I wish to make the same upon yours, that we may both employ those hours which are often spent in frivolous amusements in gaining a knowledge which will make us useful to our fellow men when we grow up.”