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
From Chapter Twelve: The Patronus
Performed by Stephen Fry
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,
2. “He does not possess wealth; it possesses him.” – Benjamin Franklin,
3. “There are no gains, without pains.” – Benjamin Franklin,
"In reality, there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride."
5. “It is better to take many injuries than to give one.” – Benjamin Franklin,
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,
7. “Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin,
8. “Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.” – Benjamin Franklin,
9. “Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.” – Benjamin Franklin,
10. “Haste makes waste.” – Benjamin Franklin,
11. “Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.” – Benjamin Franklin,
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,
13. “Fools need advice most, but wise men only are the better for it.” – Benjamin Franklin,
