To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion, from its usefulness to the public; the advantage of a religious character among private persons; the mischiefs of superstition, and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of public religion for societal benefit and highlights the superiority of Christianity.
Benjamin Franklin's quote suggests that history demonstrates the essential role of public religion in promoting social welfare, asserting that a religious character among individuals brings advantages while cautioning against the dangers of superstition. He advocates for Christianity, positioning it as a superior faith compared to others, whether ancient or contemporary, due to its positive impact on society.
Themes
HistoryPublic ReligionChristianitySocietyFaithSuperstition
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting discussing morality and values, someone might use this quote to emphasize the importance of a guiding faith.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'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 slaughterhouses had glass walls the whole world would be vegetarian.
Linda MccartneyRead
The sun too penetrates into privies, but is not polluted by them.
DiogenesRead
Neutrality is a negative word. It does not express what America ought to feel. We are not trying to keep out of trouble; we are trying to preserve the foundations on which peace may be rebuilt.
Woodrow WilsonRead
The Constitution cannot protect us unless we protect the Constitution.
Thomas SowellRead
I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer, the beer stronger, the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.
Brendan BehanRead
Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the city, the security of the state. Like beams in a house or bones to a body, so is order to all things.
Robert SoutheyRead