To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I hope...that mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a bad peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a hope for humanity to resolve conflicts through reason rather than violence. It suggests that no war is justifiable compared to a peaceful resolution.
Benjamin Franklin's quote reflects a philosophical stance on the nature of conflict and the potential for rational discourse to resolve differences. It critiques the senselessness of war and emphasizes the value of peace, enjoining mankind to act as rational beings who prefer dialogue over violence. The assertion that there can never be a 'good war' or 'bad peace' serves to underline the futility of war and the higher moral ground of seeking harmonious resolutions to human disagreements.
Themes
PeaceWarConflictUnderstandingRationality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for diplomacy over military action.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'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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