Edinburgh Quote by Benjamin Franklin
““Persons of good sense, I have since observed, seldom fall into disputation, except lawyers, university men, and men of all sorts that have been bred at Edinburgh.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Poor Richard's Almanack, 1746
Franklin observes that educated and professional types often engage in arguments, unlike most sensible people.
In simple terms: Smart people avoid arguments; lawyers and scholars argue more.
Avoid needless disputes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- legal negotiations
- political discourse
- family disagreements
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is arguing necessary?
- How can we foster constructive debate?
Not all disputes are unproductive; some resolve issues.