“As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin emphasizes that silence can carry as much moral weight as speech. The phrase “account for every idle word” alludes to the traditional religious and ethical teaching that we are responsible for careless or harmful speech. Franklin extends this idea further: “every idle silence”—every moment when one remains silent instead of speaking out—also carries consequences and must be reckoned with.
This quote reflects Franklin’s commitment to moral responsibility and civic virtue. In the 18th century, amid the birth of American democracy and growing calls for justice and reform, Franklin recognized that passivity in the face of wrongdoing was itself a kind of failure. Silence, especially in moments that demand truth or courage, can enable injustice, spread ignorance, or betray conscience.
In modern times, this insight is especially relevant in contexts like bystander inaction, social injustice, or ethical dilemmas in professional settings. Choosing not to speak up—whether out of fear, apathy, or self-interest—can have real consequences. Franklin’s quote urges us to recognize that responsibility lies not only in what we say, but also in what we withhold, and that silence, when misused, can be as damaging as careless speech.
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