People will accept your ideas much more readily if you…
“People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them that Benjamin Franklin said it first. Perhaps it is impossible for a person who does no good to do no harm.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Citing authority like Benjamin Franklin makes ideas more acceptable; doing no good often still causes harm.
In simple terms: Authority boosts acceptance; inaction can cause harm.
Key Takeaway
Use credible sources wisely.
Themes
influence
ethics
authority
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marketing
- public speaking
- leadership
- policy making
Key Concepts
communication
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it ethical to cite authority?
- How can we act responsibly without causing harm?
A Different Perspective
Relying on authority can be manipulative.