--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I do not believe that Mr. Jefferson ever…" description: "\"“I do not believe that Mr. Jefferson ever hated me. On the contrary, I believe he always like me: but he detested Hamilton and by whole administration...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/john-adams-529_compassion_i-do-not-believe-that-mr-jefferson-ever_2076807.jpg" --- # I do not believe that Mr. Jefferson ever hated me. On the… ![“I do not believe that Mr. Jefferson ever hated me. On the contrary, I believe he always like me: but he detested Hamilton and by whole administration. Then he wished to be President of the United States, and I stood in his way. So he did everything that he could to pull me down. But if I should…” quote by John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/john-adams-529_compassion_i-do-not-believe-that-mr-jefferson-ever_2076807.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/john-adams-529_compassion_i-do-not-believe-that-mr-jefferson-ever_2076807.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bf1/john-adams-529_compassion_i-do-not-believe-that-mr-jefferson-ever_2076807.jpg) > ““I do not believe that Mr. Jefferson ever hated me. On the contrary, I believe he always like me: but he detested Hamilton and by whole administration. Then he wished to be President of the United States, and I stood in his way. So he did everything that he could to pull me down. But if I should quarral with him for that, I might quarrel with every man I have had anything to do with in life. This is human nature…I forgive all my enemies and hope they may find mercy in Heaven. Mr. Jefferson and I have grown old and retired from public life. So we are upon our ancient terms of goodwill.”” [John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adams acknowledges rivalry with Jefferson but emphasizes forgiveness and shared humanity despite political conflict. **In simple terms:** Rivalry softened by forgiveness. Key Takeaway Seek common ground beyond disputes. Themes politics forgiveness human nature history Mood reflective historical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - historical analysis - diplomatic discussions - educational curricula Key Concepts Reconciliation personal legacy political rivalry Questions to Reflect On - How does forgiveness shape political legacies? - What lessons apply to modern partisan divides? A Different Perspective Historical context may color interpretations. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Public life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-life/) ## Related quotes > [Mr. Jefferson has reason to reflect upon himself. How he will get rid of his remorse in his retirement, I know not. He must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-adams/mr-jefferson-has-reason-to-reflect-upon-himself-how-he-will-get-rid/) [John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/) > [Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson hated each other so much. 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