To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
It is wonderful how preposterously the affairs of the world are managed. We assemble parliaments and councils to have the benefit of collected wisdom, but we necessarily have, at the same time, the inconvenience of their collected passions, prejudices and private interests: for regulating commerce an assembly of great men is the greatest fool on earth
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the irony of governance, where wisdom is often overshadowed by personal biases and interests.
Benjamin Franklin's quote reflects on the paradox of political assemblies, emphasizing that while these gatherings aim to harness collective wisdom for the betterment of society, they are equally burdened by the individual passions, prejudices, and private agendas of those who participate. This duality poses a significant challenge in achieving effective governance, as personal interests can often conflict with the common good, leading to decisions that may not serve the broader population.
Themes
PoliticsGovernanceWisdomPassionPrejudicesInterests
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about political reform, you might use this quote to illustrate the challenges of addressing personal biases in governance.
More from Benjamin Franklin
All quotes →He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
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[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.
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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.
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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
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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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