Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The essence of the quote lies in its profound simplicity, encapsulating a timeless wisdom that resonates through the ages. At its core, it offers a guiding principle for a life of balance, discipline, and fulfillment. Let's dissect its meaning and implications.
"Would you live with ease..." suggests a desire for a life characterized by harmony, tranquility, and inner peace. It hints at the aspiration for a state of being where one's existence flows effortlessly, unencumbered by unnecessary strife or turmoil. Living with ease entails finding a sense of serenity amidst life's inevitable challenges, navigating them with grace and resilience.
"...Do what you ought..." underscores the importance of duty, responsibility, and moral obligation. It advocates for a conscientious approach to life, wherein one prioritizes fulfilling their obligations and commitments, both to oneself and to others. This entails embracing the tasks and responsibilities that align with one's values, principles, and societal expectations, even when they may be arduous or inconvenient.
"...and not what you please." serves as a counterbalance to the previous clause, emphasizing the need to exercise restraint and discernment in one's actions. It cautions against the pursuit of immediate gratification or self-indulgence at the expense of long-term well-being or moral integrity. Instead, it encourages deliberate decision-making guided by prudence, virtue, and a broader understanding of consequences.
Collectively, the quote advocates for a mindful approach to life, wherein one strives to strike a harmonious balance between personal desires and ethical responsibilities. It acknowledges the inherent tension between individual freedom and societal duty, urging individuals to prioritize the latter while still honoring the former to some extent. In essence, it speaks to the importance of self-discipline, moral integrity, and conscious living as pathways to true fulfillment and contentment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please." 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?
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that vividly illustrates the message of the quote “Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please” is the story of Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment on Robben Island.
Mandela's life, particularly during his 27 years of incarceration, demonstrates the profound truth in the quote. Throughout his imprisonment, Mandela faced severe hardships, including harsh labor, limited privileges, and constant surveillance. Despite these challenges, Mandela chose to adhere to his principles and duties rather than surrendering to the temptations of despair or frustration.
Mandela's commitment to his principles over personal comfort was evident in his decision to engage with his fellow inmates and to educate them. He believed that by fostering unity and resilience among his peers, he was fulfilling his duty to the broader struggle against apartheid. His adherence to his sense of duty, even in the direst circumstances, exemplified living with ease through the alignment of his actions with his principles, rather than seeking immediate personal gratification or comfort.
This historical example underscores how Mandela's choice to "do what he ought" rather than what might have pleased him personally—such as seeking revenge or resigning to bitterness—enabled him to maintain his dignity and purpose. His example teaches us that true ease and fulfillment come from living in accordance with our values and responsibilities, even when it means foregoing immediate pleasure or comfort.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying the quote “Would you live with ease, Do what you ought, and not what you please” in real life can be transformative. Consider a scenario involving professional and personal integrity.
Imagine you're a manager at a company facing a challenging situation. You could cut corners to meet a tight deadline, which might be more convenient and satisfying in the short term, but this would compromise the quality of work and the company's long-term reputation. Alternatively, you might choose to invest extra time and effort to ensure the work meets the highest standards, even if it means enduring more stress and potentially missing a short-term deadline.
Following the wisdom of the quote, the right course of action is to prioritize what you ought to do—delivering quality work and maintaining ethical standards—over what might please you in the moment, such as taking shortcuts or avoiding extra work. By doing so, you align your actions with your professional and personal values, which ultimately leads to greater satisfaction and ease.
In essence, this approach fosters a sense of fulfillment and integrity. When you act in line with your duties and values, rather than seeking immediate gratification or easy solutions, you cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction. This principle can be applied in various aspects of life, including relationships, career choices, and personal development. It reminds us that true ease comes from living authentically and responsibly, rather than simply pursuing fleeting pleasures.
Applying the quote to your life
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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.
