Benjamin Franklin Quotes

To remind a man of the good turns you have done him is very much like a reproach.

Does not the gratitude of the dog put to shame any man who is ungrateful to his benefactors?

Too great haste to repay an obligation is a kind of ingratitude.

It is not polite to receive a favor without returning it.

From where I came from, the way I was raised, when somebody does something for you, you always want to give something back to them.

The art of acceptance is the art of making someone who has just done you a small favor wish that he might have done you a greater one.

It shows nobility to be willing to increase your debt to a man to whom you already owe much.

He that has done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.

A great many men's gratitude is nothing but a secret desire to hook in more valuable kindnesses hereafter.

In life, it's best not to take anything for free - unless it's from someone who wishes you well.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.

That he who hath the loan of money has not repaid it, and he who has repaid has not the loan; but he who has acknowledged a kindness has it still, and he who has a feeling of it has requited it.

I never forget those who do me a favor, and I never forget those who don't!

"I believe that no characteristic is so distinctively human as the sense of indebtedness we feel, not necessarily for a favor received, but even for the slightest evidence of kindness; and there is nothing so boorish, savage, inhuman as to appear to be overwhelmed by a favor, let alone unworthy of it."

No one wearies of benefits received.

If you are greeted then return the greetings more warmly. If you are favored, then repay the obligation manifold; but he who takes the initiative will always excel in merit.

Besides, it's the first gift that's always the hardest to pay back. I wouldn't even have been here to do it if you hadn't helped me then.

A kindness received should be returned with a freer hand.

I think you have to be grateful to those who have helped you.

When people help me out, even with something like a move or a ride to the airport, I'm always thinking 'Are you sure it's okay? Are you sure you don't mind?'

I look upon it as a Point of Morality, to be obliged by those who endeavour to oblige me.

The person who receives the most favors is the one who knows how to return them.

There is nothing that puts a man more in your debt than that he owes you nothing.

Great indebtedness does not make men grateful, but vengeful; and if a little charity is not forgotten, it turns into a gnawing worm.

There is nothing so fleeting as the memory of benefits received.