To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books. Pleased with the 'Pilgrim's Progress,' my first collection was of John Bunyan's works in separate little volumes.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Benjamin Franklin expresses his lifelong love for reading and the value he places on books from a young age.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin reflects on his childhood passion for reading and how he dedicated every bit of money he had to acquire books. He shares a nostalgic memory about his first collection of John Bunyan's works, illustrating how books were vital to his development and a source of joy, emphasizing the importance of literature in shaping one’s character and intellect.
Themes
ReadingBooksEducationKnowledgeLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of education and lifelong learning.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
Benjamin FranklinRead
[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.
Benjamin FranklinRead
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.
Benjamin FranklinRead
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
Benjamin FranklinRead
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
Similar quotes
I have maintained a passionate interest in education, which leads me occasionally to make foolish and ill-considered remarks alleging that not everything is well in our schools. My main concern is that an over-emphasis on testing and league tables has led to a lack of time and freedom for a true, imaginative and humane engagement with literature.
Philip PullmanRead
An environment-based education movement--at all levels of education--will help students realize that school isn't supposed to be a polite form of incarceration, but a portal to the wider world.
Richard LouvRead
I've probably saved thousands of peoples' lives with my educational message on snake bites, how to get in around venomous anything.
Steve IrwinRead
Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones.
Stephen KingRead
For my part, it was Greek to me.
William ShakespeareRead
America's greatest long-term influence on China comes from playing host to the thousands of students who come from China each year, some of the ablest Chinese scholars and scientists. They will be the most powerful agents for change in China.
Lee Kuan YewRead