To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
He who would trade liberty for some temporary security, deserves neither liberty nor security.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Prioritizing temporary safety over essential freedoms is misguided.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the dangers of sacrificing fundamental liberties in exchange for short-term security. It suggests that true value lies in the preservation of oneβs freedoms, and that those who willingly discard these for a false sense of safety ultimately undermine both their liberty and security.
Themes
LibertySecurityFreedomPhilosophySacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on civil liberties, one might refer to this quote to argue against excessive surveillance.
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
Beauty stands In the admiration only of weak minds Led captive.
John MiltonRead
There is no desire that anyone holds for any other reason than that they believe they will feel better in the achievement of it. Whether it is a material object, a physical state of being, a relationship, a condition, or a circumstance - at the heart of every desire is the desire to feel good. And so, the standard of success in life is not the things or the money - the standard of success is absolutely the amount of joy you feel.
Esther HicksRead
cause down the shore everything's all right
Bruce SpringsteenRead
Death is not a blotting-out of existence, a final escape from life; nor is death the door to immortality. He who has fled his Self in earthly joys will not recapture It amidst the gossamer charms of an astral world. There he merely accumulates finer perceptions and more sensitive responses to the beautiful and the good, which are one. It is on the anvil of this gross earth that struggling man must hammer out the imperishable gold of spiritual identity.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
We may idealize freedom, but when it comes to our habits, we are completely enslaved.
Sogyal RinpocheRead
When He gives, He shows you His Kindness; when He deprives, He shows you His power. And in all that, He is making Himself known to you and coming to you with His gentleness.
Ibn Ata AllahRead