To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It is important to be mindful of our words, both in choosing the right ones to say and in knowing when to remain silent.
This quote emphasizes the art of communication and the importance of timing in our interactions. While it's commendable to speak appropriately in various situations, the greater challenge lies in exercising restraint and knowing when to refrain from saying something that could be hurtful or inappropriate, especially when provoked by emotions or temptations to respond impulsively.
Themes
CommunicationSilenceRestraintWisdomSelf-Control
In practice
Example use cases
During a heated discussion, it is wise to remember this quote to avoid escalating the situation.
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
Thyself shall see the act; For, as thou urgest justice, be assured Thou shalt have justice, more than thou desir'st.
William ShakespeareRead
Silence has many advantages…I write and draw in my notebook and I read anything I please.
Barbara KingsolverRead
The mistake that is made always runs the other way. Because the plain people are able to speak and understand, and even, in many cases, to read and write, it is assumed that they have ideas in their heads, and an appetite for more. This assumption is a folly.
H. L. MenckenRead
Asking the proper question is the central action of transformation- in fairy tales, in analysis, and in individuation. The key question causes germination of consciousness. The properly shaped question always emanates from an essential curiosity about what stands behind. Questions are the keys that cause the secret doors of the psyche to swing open.
Clarissa Pinkola EstesRead
A man is crazy who writes a secret in any other way than one which will conceal it from the vulgar.
Roger BaconRead
Be careful who you get advice from. I get advice from people who are where I want to be.
Robert KiyosakiRead