To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the positive aspects of life and let go of negative experiences.
This quote suggests that one should easily forget the wrongdoing or injuries received from others, marking them as temporary and insignificant like dust, while cherishing and permanently acknowledging the good deeds and benefits received, which should be remembered like inscriptions in marble. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and valuing the kindnesses in life over grievances.
Themes
ForgivenessGratitudePositivityMemoriesWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
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
I learned from him that often contradiction is the clearest way to truth
Patti SmithRead
A terrace nine stories high begins with a pile of earth.
LaoziRead
There are many accidents that are nothing but accidents-and forget it. But there are some that were brought about only because you are the person you are... you have the wherewithal, intelligence, and energy to recognize it and do something with it.
Helen FrankenthalerRead
In particular I may mention Sophocles the poet, who was once asked in my presence, How do you feel about love, Sophocles? are you still capable of it? to which he replied, Hush! if you please: to my great delight I have escaped from it, and feel as if I had escaped from a frantic and savage master. I thought then, as I do now, that he spoke wisely. For unquestionably old age brings us profound repose and freedom from this and other passions.
PlatoRead
Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.
Charles SpurgeonRead
Your own pain is involuntary; you feel overwhelmed and have no control. When feeling the pain of others, there is an element of discomfort, but there also is a level of stability because you are voluntarily accepting pain. It gives you a sense of confidence.
Dalai LamaRead