To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Look round the habitable world, how few Know their own good, or, knowing it, pursue!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Few people recognize what is truly good for them, and even fewer actively seek it out.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the notion that many individuals are often unaware of what is truly beneficial for their lives. Even when people do have an understanding of their own good, they frequently lack the motivation or determination to pursue it. This speaks to the complexities of self-awareness and the challenges of taking action toward personal growth and fulfillment.
Themes
Self-AwarenessWisdomPursuitGoodAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development, one might quote Franklin to emphasize the importance of pursuing oneβs true interests.
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
To appreciate the noble is a gain which can never be torn from us.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
I just want to be a free writer. I think I am serving my country and my people by providing an independent narrative.
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Nothing is so exhausting as indecision, and nothing is so futile.
Bertrand RussellRead
For whereas the mind works in possibilities, the intuitions work in actualities, and what you intuitively desire, that is possible to you. Whereas what you mentally or "consciously" desire is nine times out of ten impossible; hitch your wagon to a star, or you will just stay where you are.
D. H. LawrenceRead
George Bernard Shaw was right. He summed it all up when he said: "The secret of being miserable is to have the leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not." So don't bother to think about it! Spit on your hands and get busy. Your blood will start circulating; your mind will start ticking-and pretty soon this whole positive upsurge of life in your body will drive worry from your mind. Get busy. Keep busy. It's the cheapest kind of medicine there is on this earth-and one of the best.
Dale CarnegieRead
To overcome the intelligent by folly is contrary to the natural order of things; to overcome the foolish by intelligence is in accord with the natural order. To overcome the intelligent by intelligence, however, is a matter of opportunity.
Zhuge LiangRead