Borrowed Quote by John Adams
“Borrowed eloquence, if it contains as good stuff, is as good as own eloquence”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1790, correspondence with Thomas Jefferson
Borrowed eloquence is valuable if its content is good, equating it to one's own speech.
In simple terms: Good ideas matter more than who originally said them.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the quality of ideas, not their source.
Themes
communication
integrity
authenticity
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
ethical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- debate
- teaching
Key Concepts
rhetoric
intellectual honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you credit the original source?
- Does borrowed eloquence ever diminish credibility?
A Different Perspective
Originality may still be prized in some contexts.
![“I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation. If I was an atheist and believed in blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. They are the most glorious nation…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e34/john-adams-529_affair_i-will-insist-the-hebrews-have-contribut_104004.jpg)
