‘I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past’: New year quote by third US president Thomas Jefferson for a new beginning

As New Year 2026 approaches, it brings with it a natural pause, a moment to reflect on the year gone by and to imagine what lies ahead. While history offers lessons, it is the future that carries possibility. This timeless idea is powerfully captured in the words of Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers and the third president of the United States: “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”

The context behind the quote

Jefferson wrote these words in 1816 in a personal letter to his close friend and fellow Founding Father, John Adams. At the time, both men were elderly and reflecting on the long arc of political change they had witnessed. In the same letter, Jefferson spoke strongly against ignorance, bigotry, and blind authority, arguing that education and free discussion were the true safeguards of liberty. His optimism was rooted in the belief that societies could evolve beyond their past limitations.

Choosing hope over history

By expressing a preference for the “dreams of the future,” Jefferson was not dismissing history altogether. Instead, he was warning against being trapped by it. He believed that dwelling excessively on past conflicts, mistakes, or rigid traditions could limit progress. The future, in contrast, represented a chance to correct errors, expand freedoms, and advance human reason.

Why the quote still matters today

More than two centuries later, Jefferson’s words remain strikingly relevant. In an age marked by rapid change, global uncertainty, and ideological divides, the quote serves as a reminder that progress depends on imagination and openness. It encourages individuals and societies alike to focus on what can be built rather than what has already failed.

A Message for New Year 2026

As 2026 begins, Jefferson’s quote offers a powerful New Year message: learn from the past, but do not be ruled by it. The year ahead is an opportunity to dream, to rethink old assumptions, and to move forward with purpose. In choosing hope over history, the quote invites us to step into the future with curiosity, courage, and belief in the possibility of renewal.