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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.
John Adams
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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.

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