To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Those who are content have enough; those that complain, have too much.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Contentment leads to true happiness, while complaints indicate dissatisfaction even with abundance.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the importance of contentment in achieving genuine happiness. It suggests that those who are satisfied with what they have, regardless of material possessions, feel fulfilled, while those who constantly complain often find themselves overwhelmed by their desires and perceived lack, even when they have plenty.
Themes
ContentmentHappinessComplaintAbundanceSatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of gratitude.
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
Whether happiness may come or not, one should try and prepare one's self to do without it.
George EliotRead
Happiness canβt be reduced to a few agreeable sensations. Rather, it is a way of being and of experiencing the worldβa profound fulfillment that suffuses every moment and endures despite inevitable setbacks.
Matthieu RicardRead
The journey to happiness involves finding the courage to go down into ourselves and take responsibility for what's there: all of it.
Richard RohrRead
Gratefulness makes us aware of the gift and makes us happy. As long_x000D_ _x000D_ as we take things for granted they don't make us happy. Gratefulness is_x000D_ _x000D_ the key to happiness. Practicing gratitude is so central to my spirituality.
David Steindl-RastRead
You have so much fun playing games. We all love basketball, so we never want the season to end, 'cause then it's five months of sitting around and watching the playoffs.
Stephen CurryRead
Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give.
Benjamin CarsonRead