Who said “A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his…”?

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John Adams. A published source records them saying or writing it.

Source"Discourses on Davila: A Series of Papers on Political History," No. 4 Gazette of the United States (1790–1791)

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“A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man.”
— John Adams
Verified"Discourses on Davila: A Series of Papers on Political History," No. 4 Gazette of the United States (1790–1791) · evidenceDesire
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: "Discourses on Davila: A Series of Papers on Political History," No. 4 Gazette of the United States (1790–1791).

APA

Adams, J. (n.d.). A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13239-a-desire-to-be-observed-considered-esteemed-praised/

MLA

Adams, John. “A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13239-a-desire-to-be-observed-considered-esteemed-praised/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Adams, John. “A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13239-a-desire-to-be-observed-considered-esteemed-praised/.

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