“ Immodest words admit of no defense, for want of modesty is want of sense. ”
Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1791). copy citation
| Author | Benjamin Franklin |
|---|---|
| Source | The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin |
| Topic | modesty words sense |
| Date | 1791 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm |
Context
“And things unknown propos'd as things forgot;" farther recommending to us "To speak, tho' sure, with seeming diffidence."
And he might have coupled with this line that which he has coupled with another, I think, less properly, "For want of modesty is want of sense."
If you ask, Why less properly? I must repeat the lines,
"Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of modesty is want of sense."
Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate as to want it) some apology for his want of modesty?” source
And he might have coupled with this line that which he has coupled with another, I think, less properly, "For want of modesty is want of sense."
If you ask, Why less properly? I must repeat the lines,
"Immodest words admit of no defense, For want of modesty is want of sense."
Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate as to want it) some apology for his want of modesty?” source
Meaning and analysis
