Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that wine, which is a drink made from grapes, is a sign that God wants us to be happy. The idea is that God created something that can make people feel good and enjoy themselves, which shows how much God cares about our happiness.

About Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath who was a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the first postmaster general. Franklin was a renowned figure in the American Enlightenment and made significant contributions to science, technology, and civic life.

More about the author

More quotes from Benjamin Franklin

Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Do good to your friends to keep them, to your enemies to win them.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There are two ways of being happy: We must either diminish our wants or augment our means – either may do – the result is the same and it is for each man to decide for himself and to do that which happens to be easier.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Since thou are not sure of a minute, throw not away an hour.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Who had deceived thee so often as thyself?

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I wake up every morning at nine and grab for the morning paper. Then I look at the obituary page. If my name is not on it, I get up.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Rather go to bed with out dinner than to rise in debt.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Marriage is the most natural state of man, and… the state in which you will find solid happiness.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There are three faithful friends – an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Where sense is wanting, everything is wanting.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that won’t be counseled can’t be helped.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

We are more thoroughly an enlightened people, with respect to our political interests, than perhaps any other under heaven. Every man among us reads, and is so easy in his circumstances as to have leisure for conversations of improvement and for acquiring information.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A great empire, like a great cake, is most easily diminished at the edges.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Lost time is never found again.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Never take a wife till thou hast a house (and a fire) to put her in.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Human felicity is produced not as much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Time is money.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Those who govern, having much business on their hands, do not generally like to take the trouble of considering and carrying into execution new projects. The best public measures are therefore seldom adopted from previous wisdom, but forced by the occasion.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

You may delay, but time will not.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Necessity never made a good bargain.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

When men and woman die, as poets sung, his heart’s the last part moves, her last, the tongue.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that composes himself is wiser than he that composes a book.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A place for everything, everything in its place.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I should have no objection to go over the same life from its beginning to the end: requesting only the advantage authors have, of correcting in a second edition the faults of the first.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

When in doubt, don’t.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

In the affairs of this world, men are saved not by faith, but by the want of it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Experience is a dear teacher, but fools will learn at no other.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Games lubricate the body and the mind.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Half a truth is often a great lie.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I conceive that the great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by false estimates they have made of the value of things.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher’s stone.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you would be loved, love, and be loveable.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There is no kind of dishonesty into which otherwise good people more easily and frequently fall than that of defrauding the government.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The art of acting consists in keeping people from coughing.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A penny saved is a penny earned.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Beware the hobby that eats.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The first mistake in public business is the going into it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Our necessities never equal our wants.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A small leak can sink a great ship.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones – with ingratitude.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Buy what thou hast no need of and ere long thou shalt sell thy necessities.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Hear reason, or she’ll make you feel her.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I guess I don’t so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Energy and persistence conquer all things.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There never was a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The U. S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Applause waits on success.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that has done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Nine men in ten are would be suicides.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Diligence is the mother of good luck.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Those that won’t be counseled can’t be helped.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I saw few die of hunger; of eating, a hundred thousand.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Trouble springs from idleness, and grievous toil from needless ease.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that’s secure is not safe.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Beauty and folly are old companions.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Each year one vicious habit discarded, in time might make the worst of us good.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

God works wonders now and then; Behold a lawyer, an honest man.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I didn’t fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

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.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

I look upon death to be as necessary to our constitution as sleep. We shall rise refreshed in the morning.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Honesty is the best policy.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Write your injuries in dust, your benefits in marble.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Remember that credit is money.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that speaks much, is much mistaken.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Words may show a man’s wit but actions his meaning.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Well done is better than well said.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Observe all men, thyself most.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that displays too often his wife and his wallet is in danger of having both of them borrowed.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He who falls in love with himself will have no rivals.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The doors of wisdom are never shut.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

God helps those who help themselves.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Take time for all things: great haste makes great waste.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows or all he sees.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If a man could have half of his wishes, he would double his troubles.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Admiration is the daughter of ignorance.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Where there’s marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The use of money is all the advantage there is in having it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things. There will be sleeping enough in the grave.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Never confuse motion with action.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Life’s Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

One today is worth two tomorrows.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Distrust and caution are the parents of security.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Mine is better than ours.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you desire many things, many things will seem few.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Fatigue is the best pillow.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions, even on important subjects, which I once thought right but found to be otherwise.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Even peace may be purchased at too high a price.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It is much easier to suppress a first desire than to satisfy those that follow.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

You can bear your own faults, and why not a fault in your wife?

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

There was never a good war, or a bad peace.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The strictest law sometimes becomes the severest injustice.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Industry need not wish.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

No nation was ever ruined by trade.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The discontented man finds no easy chair.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that lives upon hope will die fasting.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

At twenty years of age the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Leisure is the time for doing something useful. This leisure the diligent person will obtain the lazy one never.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Those disputing, contradicting, and confuting people are generally unfortunate in their affairs. They get victory, sometimes, but they never get good will, which would be of more use to them.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that rises late must trot all day.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Many foxes grow gray but few grow good.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that can have patience can have what he will.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Where liberty is, there is my country.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Savages we call them because their manners differ from ours.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

And whether you’re an honest man, or whether you’re a thief, depends on whose solicitor has given me my brief.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It is the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It is only when the rich are sick that they fully feel the impotence of wealth.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

To Follow by faith alone is to follow blindly.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He does not possess wealth; it possesses him.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Hunger is the best pickle.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Many a man thinks he is buying pleasure, when he is really selling himself to it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

He that raises a large family does, indeed, while he lives to observe them, stand a broader mark for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Certainty? In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Wars are not paid for in wartime, the bill comes later.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

It is a grand mistake to think of being great without goodness and I pronounce it as certain that there was never a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in the serious work of the world.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever while you live, expense is constant and certain: and it is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

A good conscience is a continual Christmas.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)

Tomorrow, every Fault is to be amended; but that Tomorrow never comes.

Benjamin Franklin

American author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, diplomat, Founding Father (1706-1790)