To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
To the haranguers of the populace among the ancients, succeed among the moderns your writers of political pamphlets and news-papers, and your coffee-house talkers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Franklin emphasizes the role of writers and public speakers in shaping public opinion, paralleling ancient orators with modern communicators.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin draws a connection between the influential role of ancient speakers who stirred public sentiment and the modern-day equivalents, such as pamphleteers and journalists. He implies that just as ancient haranguers shaped the views of their audiences, today's writers and conversationalists in public spaces continue to wield significant power in influencing the populace's political opinions and social discourse.
Themes
InfluenceCommunicationPublic OpinionPoliticsWritingDialogue
In practice
Example use cases
During a public debate about free speech, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of writers and speakers.
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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