Benjamin Franklin Quote Two Wolves And A Lamb
Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a polymath, meaning he was skilled in many different fields, including science, politics, and literature. He was also a prolific writer and is known for many famous quotes. One of his most famous quotes is about two wolves and a lamb. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this quote and how it can be applied to our lives.
The Quote
The quote goes as follows:
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"
This quote is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but it is unclear whether he actually said it. Nevertheless, it has become a famous quote that is often used to illustrate the importance of protecting individual rights in a democracy.
The Meaning
The quote is a metaphor for democracy and the dangers it poses to individual rights. In a democracy, the majority rules, and the minority is often left without a voice. This can lead to the oppression of minorities and the violation of individual rights.
The two wolves in the quote represent the majority, while the lamb represents the minority. The wolves are hungry and want to eat the lamb for lunch. In a democracy, the wolves would be able to vote to have the lamb for lunch, and there would be nothing the lamb could do to stop them.
However, in a society that values liberty, the lamb would be armed and able to contest the vote. This means that the lamb would have the means to defend itself and its rights, even against the majority.
Application to Our Lives
The quote has important implications for our lives and the way we think about democracy and individual rights. It reminds us that democracy can be dangerous if it is not balanced with individual rights and freedoms.
We must always be vigilant to protect our individual rights and the rights of minorities. We must also be willing to stand up for what we believe in and be prepared to defend our rights, even against the majority.
Ultimately, the quote reminds us that liberty is a precious thing that must be protected at all costs. We must always strive to create a society that values freedom and individual rights, even if it means going against the will of the majority.
Conclusion
The quote about two wolves and a lamb is an important reminder of the dangers of democracy and the importance of protecting individual rights. While it is unclear whether Benjamin Franklin actually said this quote, it has become a famous saying that is still relevant today.
We must always be mindful of the potential dangers of democracy and be prepared to defend our individual rights and freedoms, even against the will of the majority. Only then can we truly create a society that values liberty and justice for all.
