To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People who make excuses often fail to take responsibility or achieve meaningful outcomes.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the idea that individuals who are skilled at crafting excuses may lack the initiative or capability to succeed in other areas. It implies that instead of focusing on reasons for failure or inaction, one should strive to take accountability and work towards solutions, as this is essential for personal growth and achievement.
Themes
ExcusesResponsibilitySuccessInitiativeFailure
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting when discussing accountability for missed deadlines.
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
If you're interested in opening the doors to the heavens, start with the door to your own secret self. See what happens when you offer to another a glimpse of who you truly are. When your heart is undefended, you make it safe for whomever you meet to put down his burden of hiding, and then you both can walk through the open door.
Elizabeth LesserRead
Stupidity is active in every direction, and can dress up in all the clothes of truth. Truth, on the other hand, has for every occasion only one dress and one path, and is always at a disadvantage.
Robert MusilRead
Life is tough pilgrim, it is even tougher if you're stupid
John WayneRead
Owning your own feelings, rather than blaming them on someone else, is the mark of a person who has moved from contracted to expanded awareness.
Deepak ChopraRead
A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.
William Arthur WardRead
If you can do a half-assed job of anything, you're a one-eyed man in a kingdom of the blind.
Kurt VonnegutRead