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
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W. H. AudenRead
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It is a great folly to be willing to violate the friendship of God, rather than the law of human friendship.
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Cultivate solitude and quiet and a few sincere friends, rather than mob merriment, noise and thousands of nodding acquaintances.
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Talk well of the absent whenever you have the opportunity.
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We read not only because we cannot know enough people, but because friendship is so vulnerable, so likely to diminish or disappear, overcome by space, time, imperfect sympathies, and all the sorrows of familial and passional life.
Harold BloomRead