To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Hold your Council before Dinner; the full Belly hates Thinking as well as Acting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that one should deliberate and think carefully before indulging in satisfaction or pleasure.
Benjamin Franklin's quote emphasizes the importance of thoughtful consideration and decision-making prior to engaging in enjoyable activities, such as eating. The idea is that a content and satisfied mind, much like a full belly, may become complacent and less inclined to think critically or act decisively, highlighting the significance of maintaining a balance between pleasure and rational thought.
Themes
ThoughtfulnessDeliberationSatisfactionDecision-MakingActingReflection
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, use this quote to remind colleagues of the importance of careful planning before launching a new project.
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
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but it is also true, if this brings her any consolation, that if, before every action, we were to begin weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probably, then the possible, then the imaginable ones, we should never move beyond the point where our first thought brought us to a halt.
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