QuoteProject
The Sting of a reproach, is the Truth of it.
Benjamin Franklin
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Reproach often carries a painful truth that reflects our flaws or mistakes.

This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the idea that when someone reproaches or criticizes us, the sting we feel is due to the underlying truth in their words. It suggests that criticism, although uncomfortable, can lead to self-reflection and growth, as it often reveals aspects of ourselves that we may need to address or improve.

Themes

ReproachTruthCriticismSelf-ReflectionGrowth

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about personal development, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of accepting constructive criticism.

More from Benjamin Franklin

To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
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

My dear heart, never think you are better than others. Listen to their sorrows with compassion. If you want peace, don't harbor bad thoughts, do not gossip and don't teach what you do not know.
RumiRead
Our lives are a sum total of the choices we have made.
Wayne DyerRead
Do what's right. Be on time, be polite, and be honest; remain free from drugs; and if you have any questions, get out your Bible. 2. Do your best. Mediocrity is unacceptable when you are capable of doing better. 3. Treat others as you want to be treated. Practice love and understanding.
Lou HoltzRead
You can write the best column in the world on Monday, and it does you absolutely no good on Tuesday. There is no way to win. You just write until you are tired, they fire you, or you die.
Lewis GrizzardRead
Each man has his own vocation; his talent is his call. There is one direction in which all space is open to him.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
Meditation is like a single log of wood. Insight and investigation are one end of the log; calm and concentration are the other end. If you lift up the whole log, both sides come up at once. Which is concentration and which is insight? Just this mind.
Ajahn ChahRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.