To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is a pursuit that requires personal effort rather than just a right granted by law.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes that while the Constitution provides individuals with the opportunity to seek happiness, it ultimately depends on personal initiative to actually attain it. Franklin is asserting that happiness is not something that can be handed over or guaranteed; rather, it requires active engagement and effort from each individual to realize their own joy and fulfillment in life.
Themes
HappinessPursuitEffortInitiativeFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing the importance of self-motivation during a motivational speech.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes βHe'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 hope we can be happy where we are, be grateful for our blessings-now-here, accept the challenge that is ours and make the most of it, and don't be envious of others. God help us to be grateful.
Ezra Taft BensonRead
The things that brought me the most comfort now were too small to list. Raspberries in cream. Sparrows with cocked heads. Shadows of bare limbs making for sidewalk filigrees. Roses past their prime with their petals loose about them. The shouts of children at play in the neighborhood, Ginger Rogers on the black-and-white screen.
Elizabeth BergRead
Being happy or unhappy - is that really the most important thing? Knowing the truth would be a different kind of happiness - a more satisfying kind, I think, even if it turned out to be a sad kind.
Ira LevinRead
***Three Conditions of Happiness*** If you have work to do If you have someone you love If You have hope Then You are Happy now!
Immanuel KantRead
It is amazing what one ray of sunshine can do for a man!
Fyodor DostoevskyRead
There was a time in my life when I thought I had everything - millions of dollars, mansions, cars, nice clothes, beautiful women, and every other materialistic thing you can imagine. Now I struggle for peace.
Richard PryorRead