Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of this quote lies in the profound philosophy of honesty, integrity, and ethical communication. At its core, it advocates for a lifestyle guided by sincerity and fairness in thought and speech.
"Use no hurtful deceit" underscores the importance of refraining from dishonesty and deception, particularly when it could cause harm to others. Deceit, whether large or small, can erode trust and inflict emotional pain. By advocating against it, the quote emphasizes the ethical imperative of truthfulness in all interactions.
"Think innocently and justly" encourages a mindset of purity and fairness in one's thoughts. This admonition urges individuals to approach situations with an open and unbiased perspective, devoid of prejudice or ill intentions. Innocence here refers to a state of mind free from malice or harmful intent, while justice implies a commitment to fairness and equity in judgment.
"And, if you speak, speak accordingly" serves as a call to action, reminding us that our words hold power and impact. It urges conscientiousness in verbal expression, emphasizing the need for alignment between our thoughts and speech. When we speak in accordance with the principles of honesty, innocence, and justice, our words become a reflection of our inner integrity.
Overall, this quote encapsulates a moral code of conduct rooted in sincerity, fairness, and ethical communication. It challenges individuals to embody these virtues in both thought and speech, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and understanding in our interactions with others.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak, speak accordingly." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
Watch on Elevate's YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more wisdom and insights from the world's top minds.
Subscribe on YouTube to get the latest quote videos delivered straight to you:
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that vividly illustrates the message of the quote is the story of Abraham Lincoln's approach to leadership during the American Civil War. Lincoln is often celebrated for his commitment to honesty and integrity in a time of immense national turmoil.
During the Civil War, Lincoln faced immense pressure from all sides—political, military, and public opinion. Despite the intense scrutiny and criticism, Lincoln maintained a principled stance. One notable instance of this was his handling of the Emancipation Proclamation. Rather than using deception or making empty promises to secure immediate political or military gains, Lincoln chose to act according to his deeply held beliefs about justice and equality.
In 1863, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all enslaved people in Confederate-held territories were to be set free. This move was not just a strategic military decision; it was a profound moral stance. Lincoln understood that the Proclamation was not a perfect solution but a necessary step toward justice. He was transparent about the limitations of the proclamation—acknowledging that it did not immediately end slavery everywhere in the United States but was a crucial step toward that goal.
By adhering to his values and speaking honestly about the scope and limitations of his policies, Lincoln exemplified the essence of the quote. His approach ensured that his actions, though not always universally popular or immediately effective, were grounded in a commitment to truth and justice.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote "Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak, speak accordingly" in real life means striving to act with integrity and honesty in all your interactions and decisions.
Consider a situation in a workplace setting where you're part of a team working on a critical project. The team encounters a problem that could delay the project's deadline, and the management is unaware of the issue. You face a choice: you can either downplay the problem to avoid immediate backlash or honestly communicate the issue and propose a realistic plan to address it.
Choosing to follow the principle of the quote, you decide to be upfront about the problem. You explain the situation clearly, without sugarcoating the facts, and present a well-thought-out plan for overcoming the delay. By doing this, you avoid the hurtful deceit of misleading management or creating false expectations. Your honesty allows for a more transparent and collaborative approach to solving the problem, which can lead to more effective solutions and a stronger sense of trust within the team.
This approach not only aligns with the principle of acting justly and speaking truthfully but also fosters a work environment where integrity is valued. Over time, your consistent honesty and commitment to addressing challenges transparently can build a reputation for reliability and ethical behavior. This can lead to better teamwork, stronger relationships, and a more supportive and effective work environment.
Applying the quote to your life
Unlock Franklin's wisdom and apply it to your life by getting the in-depth Benjamin Franklin Workbook & Study Guide, complete with top quotes, insightful commentary, reflective questions, and practical uses for everyday life. 👇
To apply more wisdom, get the All-Access Pass, which includes hundreds of study guides from the world's top minds. These include deep insights from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, as well as some of the top authors and personal development books.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
