David McCullough’s biography of John Adams

Journal Entry

Sunday 29 August 2004 (book 10, pg 1)

“Be a listener only, keep within yourself and endeavor to establish with yourself the habit of silence, especially in politics.”

From David McCullough’s John Adams quoting advice Thomas Jefferson gave to a grandson.

I had no idea that John Adams was so instrumental in the Independence of America until I started reading McCullough’s book.

Friday 17 September 2004 (book 10, pg 3)

From John Adams: In considering dealings with the Barbary States Adams told Jefferson “We ought not fight them at all, unless we determine to fight them forever.” (pg 366) Which has turned out to be the case!