To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Repeal that [welfare] law, and you will soon see a change in their manners. ... Six days shalt thou labor, though one of the old commandments long treated as out of date, will again be looked upon as a respectable precept; industry will increase, and with it plenty among the lower people; their circumstances will mend, and more will be done for their happiness by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing all your estates among them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that self-reliance and hard work lead to true improvement in people's lives rather than reliance on welfare.
Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and industriousness in improving individual circumstances. He argues that repeal of welfare laws would motivate people to be productive, which in turn would foster happiness and well-being more effectively than merely redistributing wealth. This perspective challenges the notion of welfare as a means to uplift the lower classes, suggesting instead that personal initiative and labor yield greater benefits.
Themes
Self-RelianceHard WorkIndependenceHappinessWelfareProductivity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech addressing community development.
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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