To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness is a pursuit that requires personal effort rather than just a right granted by law.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes that while the Constitution provides individuals with the opportunity to seek happiness, it ultimately depends on personal initiative to actually attain it. Franklin is asserting that happiness is not something that can be handed over or guaranteed; rather, it requires active engagement and effort from each individual to realize their own joy and fulfillment in life.
Themes
HappinessPursuitEffortInitiativeFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing the importance of self-motivation during a motivational speech.
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
It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, I feel good, and no one's gonna stop me now.
Freddie MercuryRead
The happiness of life consists, like the day, not in single flashes (of light), but in one continuous mild serenity. The most beautiful period of the heart's existence is in this calm equable light, even although it be only moonshine or twilight. Now the mind alone can obtain for us this heavenly cheerfulness and peace.
Jean PaulRead
It was too late for happiness - but not too late to be helped by the thought of what I had missed. That is all I haved lived on - don't take it from me now
Edith WhartonRead
I am a happy camper so I guess Iβm doing something right. Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.
Henry David ThoreauRead
The ultimate source of a happy life is warm-heartedness. This means extending to others the kind of concern we have for ourselves. On a simple level we find that if we have a compassionate heart we naturally have more friends. And scientists today are discovering that while anger and hatred eat into our immune system, warm-heartedness and compassion are good for our health.
Dalai LamaRead
Every moment of happiness requires a great amount of Ignorance
Honore De BalzacRead