To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life, I absenteed myself from Christian assemblies.
Interpretation
Benjamin Franklin expresses his confusion and disconnection from Christian beliefs and practices.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin articulates his struggle to comprehend Christian dogma, leading him to withdraw from religious gatherings. This reflects a broader theme of questioning established beliefs and seeking personal understanding and truth, indicating a preference for reason and enlightenment over traditional faith.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of questioning traditional beliefs.
To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
[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.
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.
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
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.
They say people can think for themselves? Do you honestly believe that the chap who canβt pass primary six knows the consequence of his choice when he answers a question viscerally, on language, culture and religion? But we knew the consequences. We would starve, we would have race riots. We would disintegrate.
Never believe fate is more than the condensation of childhood.
During a chess tournament a master must envisage himself as a cross between an ascetic monk and a beast of prey.
In uniform patriotism can salute one flag only, embrace but the first circle of life - one's own land and tribe. In war that is necessary, in peace it is not enough.
From the depths of the West of Europe, a young child will be born of poor people, he who by his tongue will seduce a great troop; his fame will increase towards the realm of the East.
The subway in New York is a great social experiment; there are so many races and ways of life sitting together on each car.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.