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
There are persons whom in my heart I despise, others I abhor. Yet I am not obliged to inform the one of my contempt, nor the other of my detestation. This kind of dissimulation...is a necessary branch of wisdom, and so far from being immoral...that it is a duty and a virtue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We may hold negative feelings towards others but it is wise to keep those feelings private.
This quote by John Adams highlights the importance of discretion in our personal feelings. It suggests that while we may have contempt towards some individuals, it is prudent not to express those feelings openly, as maintaining harmony and respect in relationships is often more valuable than airing negative sentiments. The act of concealing our true feelings can be seen as a virtue and a wise approach to social interactions.
Themes
WisdomDiscretionRelationshipsFeelingsSocial Etiquette
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about maintaining professional relationships despite personal feelings.
More from John Adams
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Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
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Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
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The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
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