To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Write your injuries in dust, your benefits in marble.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the positive aspects of your life and let go of past grievances.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin suggests that one should prioritize the good moments and achievements in life while treating injuries or grievances as fleeting and not worth dwelling upon. By writing injuries in dust, he implies that we should not let negative experiences linger or define us, while writing benefits in marble signifies the importance of celebrating and remembering the positive aspects and successes in our lives.
Themes
InjuriesBenefitsPositivityMemoryLife Lessons
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes βHe'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
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[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.
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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.
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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
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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
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