To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True richness comes from being content, yet very few people achieve this state.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin challenges our traditional notions of wealth by suggesting that true richness is rooted in contentment rather than material possessions. However, he also implies that many people struggle to find contentment, thereby making the quest for true richness elusive for almost everyone.
Themes
ContentmentWealthRichnessHappinessSatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational seminar discussing the importance of inner peace over material wealth.
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
Seek to share joy with others, or to make somebody else happy, and you will find your own soul radiant with the joy you wished for another.
David O. MckayRead
The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised.
Norman Vincent PealeRead
Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions.
EpictetusRead
To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this and am happy I lived long enough to find it out.
Roger EbertRead
Money can't buy happiness, but neither can poverty.
Leo RostenRead
I was happy, I knew that. While experiencing happiness, we have difficulty in being conscious of it. Only when the happiness is past and we look back on it do we suddenly realize - sometimes with astonishment - how happy we had been.
Nikos KazantzakisRead