To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
I hope...that mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a bad peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a hope for humanity to resolve conflicts through reason rather than violence. It suggests that no war is justifiable compared to a peaceful resolution.
Benjamin Franklin's quote reflects a philosophical stance on the nature of conflict and the potential for rational discourse to resolve differences. It critiques the senselessness of war and emphasizes the value of peace, enjoining mankind to act as rational beings who prefer dialogue over violence. The assertion that there can never be a 'good war' or 'bad peace' serves to underline the futility of war and the higher moral ground of seeking harmonious resolutions to human disagreements.
Themes
PeaceWarConflictUnderstandingRationality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for diplomacy over military action.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'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
Justice is nothing more than the advantage of the stronger.
PlatoRead
It is almost as if the human brain were specifically designed to misunderstand Darwinism, and to find it hard to believe
Richard DawkinsRead
Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
We have to keep asking ourselves: 'What does it all mean? What is God trying to tell us? How are we called to live in the midst of all this?' Without such questions our lives become numb and flat.
Henri NouwenRead
I'll never understand how a man can live his life With his finger on the self-destruct button, Holding it there day after day, Blinded by an obsession to press it But lacking the conviction to do even that.
Neal ShustermanRead
The violence of the Left is symbolic, the injuries are not intended. The violence of the Right is real - directed at people, designed to cause injuries. Vietnam, nuclear weapons, police out of control are intentional forms of violence. The violence from the Right is aimed directly at people and the violence from the Left is aimed at institutions and symbols.
George CarlinRead