Needs sourcesMost quotes start here until readers rate them or add a source — you can help.

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.

Quote by John Adams

Added by Postmilstill archive ·

Where this is from

Work title, edition, or primary text used to cite this quote.

No source cited yet

Help the archive by proposing a book, sermon, or primary text for this quote.

Add a source →

Margin notes

Discussion

Share context, ask questions, or discuss this quote. Comments are separate from source proposals and verification ratings.

All discussions →

    No comments yet.

Loading…

More from John Adams

Other quotes from the same author or related sources.

All quotes by John Adams