To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
The madness of mobs or the insolence of soldiers, or both, when too near to each other, occasion some mischief.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mob mentality and militaristic pride can lead to chaos and harm when they converge.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the dangers that arise when two powerful forces, such as a collective group acting irrationally (the madness of mobs) and individuals bearing authority and aggression (the insolence of soldiers), come into close proximity. Their interaction can incite turmoil and various forms of mischief, suggesting that unchecked emotions and power can lead to destructive outcomes in society.
Themes
Mob MentalitySocietyChaosAuthorityDanger
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about social movements and the influence of crowd behavior.
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've been bothered about time generally and our tripartite division of time into past, present, and future. I think I know what the past is, and I think I know what future is, but I'm really not comfortable with the notion of present.
Martin SeligmanRead
I can see he's not in your good books,' said the messenger. 'No, and if he were I would burn my library.
William ShakespeareRead
Whether humanity is to comprehensively prosper...depends entirely on the integrity of the human individuals and not on the political and economic systems. The cosmic question has been asked: are humans worthwhile to universe invention?
R. Buckminster FullerRead
We forfeit three-quarters of ourselves in order to be like other people.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
Man is not equally moral at all hours, this is well known. If his morality is judged to be the capability for great self-sacrificing resolutions and self-denial (which, when continuous and grown habitual, are called holiness)
Friedrich NietzscheRead
So long as the laws remain such as they are today, employ some discretion: loud opinion forces us to do so; but in privacy and silence let us compensate ourselves for that cruel chastity we are obliged to display in public.
Marquis De SadeRead