Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please.

What did Benjamin Franklin mean by:

Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please.

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This quote, “Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please,” is a powerful statement about the importance of responsibility, discipline, and integrity. It suggests that true comfort and peace come not from indulging in our whims and desires, but from fulfilling our duties and acting in line with our moral compass.

The first part, “Would you live with ease,” refers to the desire we all have for a comfortable, peaceful, and content life. However, Franklin suggests that this ease isn’t achieved through self-indulgence, but through doing “what you ought,” or what is morally and ethically right.

The second part, “and not what you please,” further emphasizes this point. It implies that our personal desires or pleasures can sometimes lead us astray from our responsibilities or ethical obligations. It’s not a call to abandon all personal desires, but rather a reminder to prioritize our duties and responsibilities over our whims.

Applying this quote to today’s world, it can be seen as a critique of the instant gratification culture, where people often prioritize immediate pleasure over long-term benefits or responsibilities. It can also be seen as a call to action for individuals to prioritize ethical behavior and responsibility, even when it’s not the most pleasurable or convenient option.

In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a guiding principle. It encourages us to cultivate discipline, make responsible choices, and prioritize our obligations. It suggests that true personal growth and contentment come from acting with integrity and fulfilling our duties, rather than indulging in our desires. This could involve making tough decisions, like choosing to study for an important exam instead of going to a party, or prioritizing a difficult conversation over avoiding conflict.

Overall, this quote emphasizes the importance of responsibility, integrity, and discipline in achieving a truly comfortable and content life. It serves as a reminder that our actions should be guided not by what is easy or pleasurable, but by what is right and necessary.

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