Benjamin Franklin

collection of quotes by Benjamin Franklin

Here is a compilation of memorable and insightful quotes from Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, celebrated for his wit, wisdom, and contributions to politics, science, and diplomacy:

On Life and Wisdom:

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
“Well done is better than well said.”
“Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.”
“Lost time is never found again.”
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

On Virtue and Character:

“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
“Honesty is the best policy.”
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”
“A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.”

On Success and Wealth:

“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”
“The way to wealth is as plain as the way to the market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality.”
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
“If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting.”
“Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has, the more one wants.”
“Rather go to bed without dinner than to rise in debt.”

On Human Nature and Society:

“There never was a good war or a bad peace.”
“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”
“Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain—and most fools do.”
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

On Time and Procrastination:

“You may delay, but time will not.”
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
“Remember that time is money.”
“One today is worth two tomorrows.”
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

On Freedom and Responsibility:

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”
“Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.”
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.”

On Happiness and Contentment:

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”

On Humility and Self-Improvement:

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”
“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”
“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
“Observe all men; thyself most.”
“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.”

Benjamin Franklin’s quotes embody his practical wisdom, deep understanding of human nature, and sense of humor, all of which have rendered his words timeless and relevant even today.