To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True richness comes from being content, yet very few people achieve this state.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin challenges our traditional notions of wealth by suggesting that true richness is rooted in contentment rather than material possessions. However, he also implies that many people struggle to find contentment, thereby making the quest for true richness elusive for almost everyone.
Themes
ContentmentWealthRichnessHappinessSatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational seminar discussing the importance of inner peace over material wealth.
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
Act as if you were already happy and that will tend to make you happy.
Dale CarnegieRead
The consuming desire of most human beings is deliberately to plant their whole life in the hands of some other person. I would describe this method of searching for happiness as immature. Development of character consists solely in moving toward self-sufficiency.
Quentin CrispRead
Be happy, noble heart, be blessed for all the good thou hast done and wilt do hereafter, and let my gratitude remain in obscurity like your good deeds.
Alexandre DumasRead
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.
Eleanor RooseveltRead
My formula for happiness: a Yes, a No, a straight line, a goal.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead