To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
To find out a girl's faults, praise her to her girlfriends.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that flattery can reveal a person's true character through the reactions of their friends.
Benjamin Franklin's quote implies that when you offer compliments to a girl in the presence of her friends, you might uncover her faults. The idea is that the way her friends respond to this praise can give insights into her character, as they may exhibit jealousy or insincerity, revealing deeper truths about her personality.
Themes
PraiseFaultsRelationshipsFriendsCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
A speech at a wedding when talking about the bride's character.
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.
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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
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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