“I saw few die of hunger; of eating, a hundred thousand.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“I saw few die of hunger; of eating, a hundred thousand.”
Explanation
In this striking and ironic observation, Benjamin Franklin warns against the dangers of excess, particularly in relation to food and indulgence. The phrase “few die of hunger” highlights that starvation, while tragic, is relatively rare in prosperous societies, whereas “a hundred thousand” dying of overeating suggests that gluttony and lack of restraint are far more widespread and deadly. Franklin uses hyperbole not just for humor, but to deliver a moral lesson on moderation and self-control.
Franklin, who often wrote about health and virtue in Poor Richard’s Almanack, saw temperance—especially in eating and drinking—as fundamental to both personal well-being and civic responsibility. In the 18th century, as food became more abundant in cities and among the middle class, overindulgence grew more common. His quote criticizes this shift, urging individuals to embrace balance rather than excess, even in times of plenty.
Today, Franklin’s insight is all the more relevant amid modern issues such as obesity, lifestyle-related diseases, and consumer overconsumption. It serves as a reminder that abundance requires discipline, and that unchecked desire can lead not only to physical harm but to diminished quality of life. In short, restraint, not richness, is what preserves health and longevity.
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