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Another time Quote by Walter Isaacson

“Another time, he was playing [chess] with his equal, the Duchess of Bourbon, who made a move that inadvertently exposed her king. Ignoring the rules of the game, he promptly captured it. "Ah," said the duchess, "we do not take Kings so." Replied Franklin in a famous quip: "We do in America.” quote by Walter Isaacson
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““Another time, he was playing [chess] with his equal, the Duchess of Bourbon, who made a move that inadvertently exposed her king. Ignoring the rules of the game, he promptly captured it. "Ah," said the duchess, "we do not take Kings so." Replied Franklin in a famous quip: "We do in America.””

Walter Isaacson

About This Quote

Source Biography: Benjamin Franklin, Walter Isaacson, 2003

Franklin humorously justified taking a king in chess, noting that America does take kings, highlighting differing cultural norms.

In simple terms: Franklin jokes about American rule.

Key Takeaway

Question cultural differences.

Themes

history humor politics

Mood

witty critical

Type

historical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • educational settings
  • international relations
  • legal discussions

Key Concepts

cultural relativism legal systems

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this quip reveal about American values?
  • When is humor inappropriate in political discourse?
A Different Perspective

Humor can oversimplify complex issues.

2.6 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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