To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Hear no ill of a friend, nor speak any of an enemy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Value your friends by not listening to negative talk about them, and refrain from speaking poorly of your enemies.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the importance of loyalty and integrity in friendships, encouraging individuals to protect their friends' reputations and to avoid engaging in gossip or negativity towards others, especially enemies. It highlights the idea that true friendship involves defending one's allies while maintaining a sense of respect towards adversaries, thereby promoting harmony and trust.
Themes
FriendshipLoyaltyGossipRespectIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of standing by friends in difficult times.
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
I have had, and may have still, a thousand friends, as they are called, in life, who are like one's partners in the waltz of this world -not much remembered when the ball is over.
Lord ByronRead
I have loved my friends as I do virtue, my soul, my God.
Thomas BrowneRead
Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog.
Douglas MallochRead
That is the remarkable thing about drinking: it brings people together so quickly, but between night and morning it sets an interval again of years.
Erich Maria RemarqueRead
For I do not want any one to read my book carelessly. I have suffered too much grief in setting down these memories. Six years have already passed since my friend went away from me, with his sheep. If I try to describe him here, it is to make sure that I shall not forget him. To forget a friend is sad. Not every one has had a friend. And if I forget him, I may become like the grown-ups who are no longer interested in anything but figures.
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
If a friend asks a favor, you should grant it if it is reasonable; if not, tell him plainly why you cannot: You will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.
Robert E. LeeRead