To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
There is no such thing as a good war or a bad peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War is inherently negative, and peace is always preferable, regardless of circumstances.
Benjamin Franklin's quote emphasizes that the concepts of 'good' and 'bad' in relation to war and peace are misleading. It suggests that war should never be justified as good, while peace should always be viewed as a valuable state, regardless of the challenges that come with it. The underlying message is to prioritize peace above conflict, advocating for an examination of the true costs of war.
Themes
WarPeacePhilosophyConflictBenjamin Franklin
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about military intervention, one might quote Franklin to emphasize the importance of pursuing peace.
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
THE PATH IS exceedingly vast. From ancient times to the present day, even the greatest sages were unable to perceive and comprehend the entire truth; the explanation and teachings of masters and saints express only part of the whole. It is not possible for anyone to speak of such things in their entirety. Just head for the light and heat, learn from the gods, and through the virtue of devoted practice of the Art of Peace, become one with the divine.
Morihei UeshibaRead
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
Alexander HamiltonRead
What I find very interesting is, we're not enthralled by the ancient world, and we've escaped all kinds of ancient preconceptions and assumptions and prejudices. But, nevertheless, we still make that connection between authoritative speech and male speech.
Mary BeardRead
I don't think tragic situations are necessarily devoid of beauty.
James NachtweyRead
In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death.
Anne FrankRead
My own veneration for other faiths is the same as that for my own faith; therefore no thought of conversion is possible
Mahatma GandhiRead