Brief Thoughts from Ben Franklin on Election Day

Last updated on: December 27, 2014 at 10:01 am by Tony Rossi

Brief Thoughts from Ben Franklin on Election Day 2014-12-27T10:01:39-05:00 Tony Rossi

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Since it’s Election Day, here are a few thoughts on government and the citizenry from founding father Ben Franklin:

“A nation of well-informed men who have been taught to know and prize the rights which God has given them cannot be enslaved. It is in the religion of ignorance that tyranny begins.”

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”

“Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.”

One of the great things about Franklin’s quotes is that they always put a responsibility on the average citizen. Too often, we think nowadays that politicians can solve all our problems. And it’s true that they can help – or hurt. But our society falls or rises based on the choices each of us makes in our daily lives. That’s why Father James Keller founded The Christophers in 1945: to encourage people to take personal responsibility for putting the Gospel message into action. So as important as it is to vote, our individual virtue remains the most vital component in creating a society that thrives.

Government

Charities

Government

Previous Post

November 5, 2012

Registered in Heaven: Peter Hitchens on God's Role in Civil Society

Next Post

November 7, 2012 Change the Culture, Change the World

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Act One American Idol Andy Griffith Show Audrey Assad Baseball Bible Books Catholic Charities Christmas Christopher Awards Christopher Closeup Christopher News Notes Current Events Down syndrome Education Father Jonathan Morris Father Keller Films Forgiveness Fringe Government Hallmark History Holidays Humor Inspiration Leadership Lost Marriage Media Medical Military Movies Music NY Med Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time Parenting Patheos Movie Club Person of Interest Politics Pope Francis Prayer Pro Life Saints Senior Citizens Signed Sealed Delivered Special Needs Sports Three Minutes a Day TV Uncategorized Volunteering Women Youth

Select a Month March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the Bible's teaching on contentment?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Complain Be content with what you have Always want more Never rest