“For my own part, I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“For my own part, I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his living honestly.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin critiques the choice of the bald eagle as the national symbol of the United States, expressing his disapproval by calling it a “bird of bad moral character”. Franklin believed the eagle was lazy and dishonest, as it often stole food from other birds rather than hunting for itself. His use of moral language to describe animal behavior was characteristic of his satirical and illustrative style.
Franklin’s remark came in the context of a letter he wrote in 1784, during debates over national symbols following the American Revolution. He proposed the turkey instead, which he considered a more respectable and native bird, symbolizing vigilance and hardiness. While this comment was partly humorous, it also reflected Franklin’s broader ideals about virtue, self-reliance, and honesty—qualities he wished the new republic to embody.
In modern terms, the quote can be seen as a reminder to evaluate symbols and leadership not by appearances or prestige, but by conduct and ethics. It also offers a cautionary note against celebrating power that is unearned or misused. Franklin’s wit here challenges us to think critically about what we honor and why, whether in politics, business, or culture.
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