--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: According to Adams, Jefferson proposed…" description: "\"According to Adams, Jefferson proposed that he, Adams, do the writing [pf the Declaration of Independence], but that he declined, telling Jefferson he ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0d/david-mccullough-1091_declaration_according-to-adams-jefferson-proposed-th_1305261.png" --- # According to Adams, Jefferson proposed that he, Adams, do… ![“According to Adams, Jefferson proposed that he, Adams, do the writing [pf the Declaration of Independence], but that he declined, telling Jefferson he must do it. Why?" Jefferson asked, as Adams would recount. Reasons enough," Adams said. What can be your reasons?" Reason first: you are a…” quote by David McCullough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0d/david-mccullough-1091_declaration_according-to-adams-jefferson-proposed-th_1305261.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0d/david-mccullough-1091_declaration_according-to-adams-jefferson-proposed-th_1305261.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c0d/david-mccullough-1091_declaration_according-to-adams-jefferson-proposed-th_1305261.png) > “According to Adams, Jefferson proposed that he, Adams, do the writing \[pf the Declaration of Independence\], but that he declined, telling Jefferson he must do it. Why?" Jefferson asked, as Adams would recount. Reasons enough," Adams said. What can be your reasons?" Reason first: you are a Virginian and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second: I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third: You can write ten times better than I can.” [David McCullough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-mccullough/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adams explains why Jefferson should write the Declaration: Jefferson’s Virginian status, Adams’ unpopularity, and Jefferson’s superior writing skill. **In simple terms:** Adams gives three reasons for Jefferson to draft the Declaration. Key Takeaway Let the most qualified person lead important tasks. Themes leadership humility collaboration Mood reflective analytical Type historical political When to use this quote - government formation - writing commissions - delegating authority Key Concepts political responsibility historical narrative Questions to Reflect On - Who truly deserves credit for historic documents? - How does personal reputation affect public duty? A Different Perspective Adams’ self‑deprecation may mask political motives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Declaration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration/) [Declaration of independence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration-of-independence/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Independence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/independence/) [Obnoxious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obnoxious/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Virginians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virginians/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [“He supported Jefferson’s proposed Land Ordinance of 1784,22 ceding Virginia’s western territory to Congress for division into fourteen future states in which “there shall…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harlow-giles-unger/he-supported-jefferson-s-proposed-land-ordinance-of-1784-22-ceding/) [Harlow Giles Unger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harlow-giles-unger/) > [Thomas Jefferson asked himself “In what country on earth would you rather live ” He first answered “Certainly in my own where are all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/thomas-jefferson-asked-himself-in-what-country-on-earth-would-you/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“The true nature of the inflation effect has never been more accurately perceived or more vividly described than it was by Thomas Jefferson: It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-edward-griffin-2/the-true-nature-of-the-inflation-effect-has-never-been-more/) G Edward Griffin > [The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. 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McKay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-o-mckay/) [Browse all 685 Declaration quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declaration/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "According to Adams, Jefferson proposed that he, Adams, do the writing [pf the Declaration of Independence], but that he declined, telling Jefferson he must do it. Why?\" Jefferson asked, as Adams would recount. Reasons enough,\" Adams said. What can be your reasons?\" Reason first: you are a Virginian and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second: I am obnoxious, suspected and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. 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