“It is the eye of other people that ruin us. If I were blind I would want, neither fine clothes, fine houses or fine furniture.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“It is the eye of other people that ruin us. If I were blind I would want, neither fine clothes, fine houses or fine furniture.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin critiques the powerful influence of social perception and vanity on human behavior. The phrase “the eye of other people” refers to how others see us, and Franklin argues that this external gaze drives us to desire things we do not truly need. He illustrates his point by saying that if he were blind—unable to see or be seen—he would have no use for luxuries like fine clothes or furniture, because their value lies primarily in how they are perceived by others, not in their inherent utility.
This reflection aligns with Franklin’s broader commitment to simplicity, frugality, and self-awareness. As a thinker of the Enlightenment and a moralist in the tradition of civic virtue, Franklin often warned against pretension and consumerism, especially when driven by pride or comparison. His statement here reveals a keen psychological insight: much of our material desire is not about comfort or function, but about status and appearance.
In today’s consumer-driven society—dominated by social media, branding, and constant visibility—Franklin’s words are more timely than ever. People frequently make choices based on how they will appear to others, rather than what they truly need or value. His quote serves as a reminder to seek internal contentment over external validation, and to examine whether our desires are truly our own—or simply reflections of someone else’s gaze.
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