To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hope alone is not enough to sustain one; action is necessary for fulfillment.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin highlights the idea that relying solely on hope without taking action can lead to failure or disappointment. It suggests that while hope can provide motivation, it must be paired with effort and execution to achieve desired outcomes, lest one be left wanting.
Themes
HopeActionEffortSuccessMotivation
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech at a conference about entrepreneurship, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of taking actionable steps.
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
Independent of others and in concert with others, your main task in life is to do what you can best do and become what you can potentially be.
Erich FrommRead
As the great Confucius said, "The one who would be in constant happiness must frequently change." Flow. But we keep looking back, don't we? We cling to things in the past and cling to things in the present...Do you want to enjoy a symphony? Don't hold on to a few bars of the music. Don't hold on to a couple of notes. Let them pass, let them flow. The whole enjoyment of a symphony lies in your readiness to allow the notes to pass.
Anthony De MelloRead
Genius is simply patience carried to the extreme.
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte De BuffonRead
If you are equally good at explaining any outcome, you have zero knowledge.
Eliezer YudkowskyRead
What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!' Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity.
J. R. R. TolkienRead
I learned many years ago never to waste time trying to convince my colleagues.
Albert EinsteinRead