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
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.
In practice
In a discussion about maintaining professional relationships despite personal feelings.
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.
Property monopolized or in the possession of a few is a curse to mankind.
Let us dare to read, think, speak and write.
There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals.
He is truly great in who hath power over himself.
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking.
When you doubt between words, use the plainest, the commonest, the most idiomatic. Eschew fine words as you would rouge; love simple ones as you would the native roses on your cheek.
Christian, let God's distinguishing love to you be a motive to you to fear Him greatly. He has put His fear in your heart, and may not have given that blessing to your neighbor, perhaps not to your husband, your wife, your child, or your parent. Oh, what an obligation should this thought lay upon your heart to greatly fear the Lord! Remember also that this fear of the Lord is His treasure, a choice jewel, given only to favorites, and to those who are greatly beloved.
And you cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.
When you're at work, be fully at work. And let your leisure time be what it's meant to be - restorative and fun.
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