“He that sows thorns should never go barefoot.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“He that sows thorns should never go barefoot.”
Explanation
In this proverb, Benjamin Franklin delivers a warning about the consequences of harmful actions. To “sow thorns” is a metaphor for causing trouble, pain, or hostility, while going “barefoot” suggests leaving oneself vulnerable. The message is clear: those who create difficulties for others should be prepared to suffer the consequences themselves, especially if they are not protected from the harm they helped create.
Franklin often used agricultural metaphors to convey moral lessons, in keeping with the rural character of colonial America. In this case, the imagery of sowing and reaping draws from both biblical and folk traditions, reinforcing the idea that actions have predictable consequences. It reflects Franklin’s broader philosophy that wisdom lies not only in avoiding wrongdoing but in understanding the risks that come with it.
In a modern context, the quote warns against hypocrisy, recklessness, or manipulative behavior. Whether in politics, business, or personal life, those who stir conflict or undermine others are likely to be hurt by the very chaos they unleash. Franklin reminds us that destructive behavior tends to be self-destructive, and that prudence involves both what we plant and how we prepare for its return.
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