I’m finally getting around to reading McCullough’s book on John Adams. After writing my post on some of the differences between prophets and slanderers, I read these descriptions of the two. Both had their strengths and both had significant weaknesses (especially Jefferson’s apathy toward his debts and his slaves). But, here notice the contrasts between two of our most influential leaders:
It was Jefferson’s graciousness that was so appealing. he was never blunt or assertive as Adams could be, but subtle, serene by all appearances, always polite, soft-spoken, and diplomatic, if somewhat remote. With Adams there was seldom a doubt about what he meant by what he said. With Jefferson there was nearly always a slight air of ambiguity. In private conversation Jefferson ‘sparkled.’ But in congress…rarely would he object to a point or disagree with anyone to his face. ‘Never contradict anybody,’ he was advised by Franklin…. Jefferson himself would one day advise a grandson, ‘When I hear another express an opinion which is not mine, I say to myself, he has a right to his opinion, as I to mine. Why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixote, to bring all men by force of argument to one opinion?…Be a listener only, keep within yourself, and endeavor to establish with yourself the habit of silence, especially in politics.’
As I read this book, I’m more attracted to the prophetic habits of Adams. he was not given to slander but to powerful arguments that helped prepare our budding nation to come to the place of crafting the Declaration of Independence. He was a consummate orator and a firm believer in the need to protect humanity from itself (power corrupts…). However, Jefferson’s style of listening ought not be overlooked. If we spent a bit more time listening and not feeling attacked by other opinions, we’d have far less vitriol in the world.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 