To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Protecting sensitive information is crucial, even from those we trust.
This quote by Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the importance of discretion in our relationships. It suggests that sharing secrets, even with close friends, can lead to unintended consequences, especially if the person we confide in is not trustworthy or may inadvertently reveal the information to others, including adversaries. It serves as a reminder to be judicious about whom we share our innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities.
Themes
SecretTrustFriendEnemyDiscretion
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, someone might say this to remind colleagues to be discreet about sensitive information.
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
Men have no more time to understand anything. They buy things all ready made at the shops. But there is no shop anywhere where one can buy friendship, and so men have no friends any more. If you want a friend, tame me.
Antoine De Saint-ExuperyRead
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.
AristotleRead
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
William ShakespeareRead
Among true and real friends, all is common; and were ignorance and envy and superstition banished from the world, all mankind would be friend.
Percy Bysshe ShelleyRead
The paradox of friendship is that it is both the strongest thing in the world and the most fragile. Wild horses cannot separate friends, but whining words can. A man will lay down his life for his friend but will not sacrifice his eardrums.
Sydney J. HarrisRead
We should behave to our friends as we would wish our friends behave to us
AristotleRead