“He that displays too often his wife and his wallet is in danger of having both of them borrowed.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“He that displays too often his wife and his wallet is in danger of having both of them borrowed.”
Explanation
In this witty and cautionary proverb, Benjamin Franklin warns against the excessive display of personal wealth and intimate relationships. By likening the public showing of a wife and a wallet, he suggests that both are valuable and vulnerable, and that constantly flaunting them invites unwanted attention or even loss. The phrase “in danger of having both of them borrowed” is a humorous way of saying that what is frequently exposed may be taken or misused by others.
Franklin’s broader philosophy emphasized modesty, prudence, and discretion—traits he considered essential for personal dignity and social harmony. In the 18th-century context, public vanity or ostentation was often associated with poor judgment and moral risk. This quote reflects his belief that private blessings should be treasured, not paraded, and that restraint is a form of wisdom.
In today’s era of social media and status-driven culture, Franklin’s advice remains strikingly relevant. Whether showcasing wealth, relationships, or personal success, overexposure can lead to envy, intrusion, or exploitation. His quote reminds us that value lies not in public approval, but in quiet appreciation, and that discretion is often the best defense of what we hold dear.
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