Doing good Quote by Benjamin Franklin
““I never doubted, for instance, the existence of the Deity; that he made the world, and governed it by his providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal; and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter. These I esteemed the essentials of every religion; and, being to be found in all the religions we had in our country, I respected them all, though with different degrees of respect, as I found them more or less mixed with other articles, which, without any tendency to inspire, promote, or confirm morality, served principally to divide us, and make us unfriendly to one another.””
About This Quote
Franklin asserts belief in a providential deity, immortality, and moral justice, while critiquing religious divisions that hinder social harmony.
In simple terms: Belief in God, moral order, and critique of sectarian division.
Key Takeaway
Religion can unite or divide societies.
Themes
theism
moral philosophy
religious pluralism
social cohesion
ethics
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- community building
- ethical education
- policy making on religious freedom
Key Concepts
divine providence
immortality
justice
religious tolerance
Practical Applications
- designing inclusive curricula
- facilitating interfaith initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can shared moral values bridge religious differences?
- What role does belief in afterlife play in ethical behavior?
