The quote is worth remembering, but it doesn't apply to our current situation. The Muslim terrorists have been provoking us for twenty years or more. September 11, 2001 was the biggest and most recent act, but they've been provoking us at least since the bombing of the Marines in Lebanon in the early 80's. Many refuse to remember this fact, but we were there in an effort to protect Muslims. Maybe we should have just allowed Israel to eliminate more of them at the time.
The quote is also less applicable in a world where we need resources that are not available in our own country. When John Adams wrote those words, America had everything it could need in its own borders or in the oceans off its coast. Trade was nice, but it wasn't a necessity. Today, there are things that we need and can only get in other areas. To maintain our security, we must maintain access to these resources.
I think there are situations where this sentiment is applicable. I think we were foolish to become involved in the situation in the Balkans. I think much of Africa should be left to its own devices.