Franklin Quote by John O'Hara
“So who's perfect? ... Washington had false teeth. Franklin was nearsighted. Mussolini had syphilis. Unpleasant things have been said about Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde. Tchaikovsky had his problems, too. And Lincoln was constipated.”
About This Quote
The quote lists famous figures’ personal flaws to illustrate that perfection is a myth and everyone has imperfections.
In simple terms: Everyone, flaws; perfection is a myth.
Accept imperfections in yourself and others.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- historical analysis
- self‑acceptance
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile admiration for achievements with personal flaws?
- Do flaws diminish a person's legacy?
It may overlook the value of striving for excellence despite flaws.