“He that’s secure is not safe.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“He that’s secure is not safe.”
Explanation
In this brief but penetrating observation, Benjamin Franklin warns that a false sense of security can be dangerous. The phrase contrasts “secure”, meaning confident or complacent in one’s safety, with “safe”, implying true protection from harm. Franklin suggests that feeling secure does not guarantee actual safety, and that overconfidence or lack of vigilance can lead to unexpected risk or failure.
This quote reflects Franklin’s broader views on prudence, humility, and the necessity of constant awareness, especially in matters of personal conduct and public affairs. As a statesman during a time of revolution and change, Franklin understood how nations and individuals alike could become vulnerable by assuming that their position, power, or success guaranteed invulnerability. His words emphasize that genuine safety requires continuous effort and alertness, not mere belief in one’s security.
In today’s world—whether in cybersecurity, finance, health, or governance—Franklin’s insight is strikingly relevant. Systems and individuals often become complacent when things seem stable, failing to prepare for disruption or emerging threats. His quote is a reminder that true safety is not about how secure we feel, but about how well we’ve prepared for what we can’t see coming.
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