“So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for every thing one has a mind to do.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for every thing one has a mind to do.”
Explanation
In this ironic and insightful observation, Benjamin Franklin critiques the human tendency to rationalize behavior. By saying it is “so convenient” to be a reasonable creature, Franklin plays on the dual meaning of “reasonable”: not only capable of logic, but also skilled at justifying actions after the fact. The phrase “find or make a reason” highlights how people often use reason not to seek truth, but to excuse or legitimize what they already want to do.
Franklin’s Enlightenment background prized reason and self-awareness, but he also understood the limits of human objectivity. This quote reflects a recurring theme in his writings: humans are not purely rational beings, but are adept at using logic to defend their desires, biases, and impulses. Franklin invites us to be cautious of our own justifications, recognizing that intellect can be used to deceive as easily as to enlighten—especially when turned inward.
In today’s world of complex moral decisions and persuasive self-talk, this insight remains profoundly relevant. Whether in politics, personal choices, or ethical dilemmas, people often twist reasoning to fit what they already intend to do. Franklin’s quote challenges us to examine whether our reasons are truly rational or just convenient, and to strive for honest self-examination rather than comfortable excuses.
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