To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Slavery is ...an atrocious debasement of human nature.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Slavery dehumanizes individuals and corrupts society.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the moral abhorrence of slavery by asserting that it not only degrades the individuals who are enslaved but also represents a fundamental corruption of human nature itself. It speaks to the inherent dignity of all people and the ethical imperative to uphold and protect that dignity against such inhumane practices.
Themes
SlaveryHuman RightsDehumanizationFreedomDignity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about human rights during a rally against modern slavery.
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
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The Utopians feel that slaughtering our fellow creatures gradually destroys the sense of compassion, which is the finest sentiment of which our human nature is capable.
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The natural cause of the human mind is certainly from credulity to skepticism.
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