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
The only friends who are free from cares are the goblet of wine and a book. Give me wine...that I may for a time forget the cares of the world.
HafezRead
That's the problem with winning right from the start, thought Ender. you lose friends.
Orson Scott CardRead
Martin is your best friend, isn't he?' a sweet and well-intentioned girl once said when both of us were present: it was the only time I ever felt awkward about this precious idea, which seemed somehow to risk diminishment if it were uttered aloud.
Christopher HitchensRead
I never meant to write about the experience of losing a good friend to breast cancer when I was going through it. But after it was over, I realized that although something deeply sad had happened, something truly beautiful also had.
Elizabeth BergRead
A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.
Francois De La RochefoucauldRead
Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?
C. S. LewisRead