To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
They that will not be counseled, cannot be helped. If you do not hear reason she will rap you on the knuckles.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those who refuse guidance cannot expect assistance.
Benjamin Franklin expresses the importance of being open to advice and reason. The quote emphasizes that without the willingness to listen and accept counsel, individuals may find themselves in difficulties that could have been avoided, illustrating the consequences of dismissing wisdom and rational discussion.
Themes
CounselAdviceReasonHelpWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar on personal development, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of being open to feedback.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes βHe'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
If I had read as much as other men I would have known no more than they.
Thomas HobbesRead
Why is patience so important?" "Because it makes us pay attention.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior's world.
Pema ChodronRead
As long as anything in this world means anything to you, your freedom is only a word. You are like a bird that is held by a leash; you can only fly so far.
Francois FenelonRead
The mind that becomes soiled in youth can never again be washed clean. I know this by my own experience, & to this day I cherish an unappeased bitterness against the unfaithful guardians of my young life, who not only permitted but compelled me to read an unexpurgated Bible through before I was 15 years old. None can do that and ever draw a clean sweet breath again on this side of the grave.
Mark TwainRead
It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn't.
Martin Van BurenRead