To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
What is without us has no connection with happiness, only so far as the preservation of our lives and health depends upon it. . . . Happiness springs immediately from the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness originates from within ourselves and is not solely reliant on external circumstances.
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin emphasizes that happiness is fundamentally a state of mind, suggesting that external factors only play a minimal role in our overall well-being. While our lives and health are important, true contentment and joy must come from our inner thoughts and attitudes, rather than being dependent on what exists outside of us.
Themes
HappinessMindWell-BeingContentmentInternal
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding joy, one might say, 'Remember, as Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, happiness springs from the mind.'
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
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Anything you're good at contributes to happiness.
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Concentrate on how good if feels to be alive. No matter what. Just to see the color of the sky, just to smell the air, and feel the wind in your face
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When I see myself as an old woman, I just think about being happy. And hopefully, I'll still be fly.
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All I've got to do today is smile.
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On with dance, let joy be unconfined, is my motto; whether there's any dance to dance or any joy to unconfined.
Mark TwainRead