45+ Wise, Wry, and Surprisingly Timely Benjamin Franklin Quotes | Audible.com
45+ Wise, Wry, and Surprisingly Timely Benjamin Franklin Quotes
Ben Franklin is one of the most influential people in history. Read on for his best quotes that display his unique wisdom, keen intelligence, and edgy humor.
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was a man of many talents. He was a brilliant scientist, inventor, writer, diplomat, and humorist who left his mark on the world through his creative drive, intellectual prowess, and unique sense of humor.
Growing from a poor, uneducated runaway to one of the most notable historical figures of all time (and the only non-president to appear on US currency), Franklin lived an extraordinary life that continues to have an impact. His inventions and discoveries make our daily lives possible; his political work and passion helped form America as we know it; and his iconic quotes and sayings are world-famous, some even becoming household phrases. Read on for Ben Franklin’s epochal quotes from his autobiography, correspondences, and, of course, Poor Richard’s Almanac.
General Wisdom and Life Lessons
Benjamin Franklin was a wise man, even in his youth. His extensive and sensible advice for a well-lived life remains relevant and applicable.
1. “Wish not so much to live long as to live well.” – Benjamin Franklin,
5. “It is better to take many injuries than to give one.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
6. “If you wou’d not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
11. “Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
12. “For life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some degree, the effect of prudence, or the want of it.” – Benjamin Franklin, The Morals of Chess
13. “Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
17. “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
18. “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
Quotes on Integrity
Honesty, humility, decency—Benjamin Franklin was a big proponent of simply being a good person. The following quotes reflect his ethical standards and moral beliefs.
19. “Don't value a man for the Quality he is of, but for the Qualities he possesses.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
20. “Great Modesty often hides great Merit.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
30. “When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
Quotes on Liberty and Government
Franklin definitely had something to say about liberty, freedom, and government. His revolutionary words acted as a catalyst to the founding of the United States, and still apply to politics today.
31. "Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor liberty to purchase power." – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
32. “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” – Benjamin Franklin, from Benjamin Franklin: An American Lifeby Walter Isaacson
34. "Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech." – Benjamin Franklin, from Benjamin Franklin: An American Lifeby Walter Isaacson
Funny Quotes
Along with his many serious talents, Ben Franklin proved to be a brilliant humorist. His hilarious one-liners and amusing quips reveal his satirical view on society and keen insight into human nature. Here’s a sampling.
35. “The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
36. “He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
37. “Teach your child to hold his tongue; he'll learn fast enough to speak.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
38. “Visits should be short, like a winters day, Lest you're too troublesome hasten away.” – Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanac
44. “A man being sometimes more generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty, perhaps thro' fear of being thought to have but little.” – Benjamin Franklin
