Admire and adore the Author of the telescopic universe, love and esteem the work, do all in your power to lessen ill, and increase good, but never assume to comprehend.
John AdamsRead
A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans have an inherent desire to be valued and recognized by others.
This quote by John Adams speaks to the fundamental human need for recognition and approval from our peers. It suggests that being acknowledged and esteemed by others is a deep-seated aspect of human nature, indicating our social instincts and emotional connections to the world around us.
Themes
DesireRecognitionEsteemAdmirationHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community, one might use this quote to underline the importance of mutual recognition in relationships.
More from John Adams
All quotes →Property monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
John AdamsRead
Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
John AdamsRead
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
John AdamsRead
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
John AdamsRead
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
John AdamsRead
Similar quotes
Empathy isn’t just something that happens to us — a meteor shower of synapses firing across the brain — it’s also a choice we make: to pay attention, to extend ourselves.
Leslie JamisonRead
I have worked hard to build relationships between Jewish people and black people.
Jesse JacksonRead
Forgiveness means that I continually am willing to forgive the other person for not being God — for not fulfilling all my needs. I, too, must ask forgiveness for not being able to fulfill other people's needs. … The interesting thing is that when you can forgive people for not being God, then you can celebrate that they are a reflection of God.
Henri NouwenRead
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Maya AngelouRead
I've always had this feeling wherever I go. Of not feeling fully part of things, not fully accepted, not fully inside of something.
Jhumpa LahiriRead
Intimacy blossoms anytime you let down your socially acceptable mask.
Deepak ChopraRead