To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge can lead to greater foolishness if not accompanied by wisdom.
This quote highlights the idea that simply possessing knowledge does not equate to wisdom. A 'learned blockhead' refers to an educated person who lacks practical sense or judgment, suggesting that education without wisdom can lead to greater folly than ignorance itself. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying knowledge wisely rather than just accumulating facts.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomFoolishnessEducationJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on critical thinking, one might say this quote to emphasize the need for wisdom in using knowledge.
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.
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.
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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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Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.
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What should we think of someone who never admits error, never entertains doubt but adheres unflinchingly to the same ideas all his life, regardless of new evidence? Doubt and skepticism are signs of rationality. When we are too certain of our opinions, we run the risk of ignoring any evidence that conflicts with our views. It is doubt that shows we are still thinking, still willing to reexamine hardened beliefs when confronted with new facts and new evidence.
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I call intuition cosmic fishing. You feel a nibble, then you've got to hook the fish.
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It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.
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