QuoteProject
Do not, however, mistake me. It is not to my good friend's heresy that I impute his honesty. On the contrary, 'tis his honesty that brought upon him the character of a heretic.
Benjamin Franklin
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Honesty can sometimes lead to being misunderstood or labeled negatively.

In this quote, Benjamin Franklin reflects on the idea that honesty is a virtue that can have unintended consequences. He points out that his friend's honest views might be perceived as heretical by others, suggesting that speaking the truth can lead to conflict or misunderstanding. This highlights the complexity of honesty and the societal reactions it can provoke.

Themes

HonestyTruthHeresyUnderstandingWisdom

In practice

Example use cases

I shared this quote during a discussion on the importance of integrity in leadership.

More from Benjamin Franklin

To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
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

Tyranny will make an entire population into readers of poetry.
Joseph BrodskyRead
Why is patience so important?" "Because it makes us pay attention.
Paulo CoelhoRead
The man who perceives life only with his eye, his ear, his hand, and his tongue, is but little higher than the ox or an intelligent dog; but he who has imagination sees things around and above him, as the angels see them.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality - your soul, if you will - is as bright and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Theresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly.
George SaundersRead
Nothing makes one old so quickly as the ever-present thought that one is growing older.
Georg C. LichtenbergRead
We can think of Lent as a time to eradicate evil or cultivate virtue, a time to pull up weeds or to plant good seeds. Which is better is clear, for the Christian ideal is always positive rather than negative.
Fulton J. SheenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.