Capable Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1745 Correspondence, Benjamin Franklin
Freedom requires a virtuous citizenry; moral character underpins liberty.
In simple terms: Virtuous people enable freedom.
Key Takeaway
Promote virtue in society.
Themes
freedom
virtue
citizenship
ethics
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- community service
- public policy
Key Concepts
political philosophy
morality
civil society
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies cultivate virtue?
- What role does law play in protecting freedom?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone may not prevent oppression.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
