To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
A man in a passion, rides a mad horse.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Strong emotions can lead to reckless actions.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin suggests that when a person is consumed by intense emotions, their judgement can become impaired, leading them to make impulsive and irrational decisions. The metaphor of riding a mad horse conveys the idea that being overwhelmed by passion can be akin to losing control, much like trying to manage a wild horse that does not follow reason.
Themes
PassionEmotionsControlDecisionsRecklessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about managing emotions in the workplace.
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[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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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