To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Little strokes fell great oaks.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant results over time.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the importance of persistence and gradual effort in achieving great things. Just as small strokes of a hammer can eventually bring down a large oak tree, consistent, small actions can lead to monumental accomplishments in life.
Themes
EffortPersistenceSuccessGrowthProgress
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech to students who are struggling with their studies.
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
A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live.
Thomas MertonRead
Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.
HeraclitusRead
Creating some god for one's inspirations was always a good way to avoid accusations of pride should the scheme succeed, as well as the blame if did not.
Margaret AtwoodRead
A proverb is one man's wit and all men's wisdom.
Bertrand RussellRead
You forgive yourself for every failure because you are trying to do the right thing. God knows that and you know it. Nobody else may know it.
Maya AngelouRead
When you refrain from habitual thoughts and behavior, the uncomfortable feelings will still be there. They don’t magically disappear. Over the years, I’ve come to call resting with the discomfort “the detox period,” because when you don’t act on your habitual patterns, it’s like giving up an addiction. You’re left with the feelings you were trying to escape. The practice is to make a wholehearted relationship with that
Pema ChodronRead