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About this quote

What does it mean?
Adams believes people should not die without first explaining themselves to each other.
In plain terms
We ought to clarify our motives before death.
What can you take from it?
Seek mutual understanding before it's too late.

Where it applies

  • end‑of‑life conversations
  • conflict resolution

Putting it to work

  • having honest talks
  • writing personal statements

Questions to consider

  • How can we create space for honest dialogue?
  • What barriers prevent mutual explanation?

Another view

Not all relationships allow for such closure.

More from John Adams

  1. While all other Sciences have advanced, that of Government is at a stand; little better understood; little better practiced now than three or four thousand yea…

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  2. Indeed, Mr. Jefferson, what could be invented to debase the ancient Christianism which Greeks, Romans, Hebrews and Christian factions, above all the Catholics,…

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  3. The Declaration of Independence I always considered as a Theatrical Show. Jefferson ran away with all the stage effect of that; i.e. all the Glory of it.

    Permalink to quote #31

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