"But the temple of human nature has two great apartments: the intellectual and the moral."
— Adams, John (1735-1826)
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
Boston
Date
1811
Metaphor
"But the temple of human nature has two great apartments: the intellectual and the moral."
Metaphor in Context
25. Mr. Jefferson has said that Dr. Franklin was an honor to human nature. And so, indeed, he was. Had he been an ordinary man, I should never have taken the trouble to expose the turpitude of his intrigues, or to vindicate my reputation against his vilifications and calumnies. But the temple of human nature has two great apartments: the intellectual and the moral. If there is not a mutual friendship and strict alliance between these, degradation to the whole building must be the consequence. There may be blots on the disk of the most refulgent luminary, almost sufficient to eclipse it. And it is of great importance to the rising generation in this country that they be put upon their guard against being dazzled by the surrounding blaze into an idolatry to the spots. If the affable archangel understood the standard of merit, that
- Great or bright infers not excellence, [end page 659]
Franklin's moral character can neither be applauded nor condemned, without discrimination and many limitations. (pp. 659-60)
Categories
Provenance
Submitted by David Moon. Personal communication, 9/30/2007.
Citation
Adams, John. Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: With a Life of the Author. Vol I. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856. Electronic Text. Google Books Edition. http://books.google.com/books?id=K5s8AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA659&lpg=PA659&dq#PPR5,M1/.
Date of Entry
09/30/2007
Date of Review
09/30/2007
