To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharping and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy. The turkey is a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Franklin critiques the choice of the bald eagle as a national symbol, favoring the turkey instead for its virtues.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin expresses his discontent with the bald eagle being chosen as the national bird of the United States. He argues that the eagle represents undesirable traits such as moral corruption and a predatory nature, while he believes the turkey embodies the ideals of respectability and authenticity as a native American bird, suggesting a deeper commentary on national identity and values.
Themes
EagleTurkeyIdentitySymbolismCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about national symbols, I could reference Franklin's perspective on the eagle.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
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[E]very Man who comes among us, and takes up a piece of Land, becomes a Citizen, and by our Constitution has a Voice in Elections, and a share in the Government of the Country.
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Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
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Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions, and spend one penny less than thy clear gains; then shall thy pocket begin to thrive; creditors will not insult, nor want oppress, nor hungerness bite, nor nakedness freeze thee
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I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
Benjamin FranklinRead
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