Franklin Benjamin Quotes & Sayings

A fine genius in his own country is like gold in the mine. — Benjamin Franklin

In New England they once thought blackbirds useless, and mischievous to the corn. They made efforts to destroy them. The consequence was, the blackbirds were diminished; but a kind of worm, which devoured their grass, and which the blackbirds used to feed on, increased prodigiously; then, finding their loss in grass much greater than their saving in corn, they wished again for their blackbirds. — Benjamin Franklin

The Existence of Deity, that he made the World, and govern'd it by his Providence; that the most acceptable Service of God was the doing Good to Man; that our Souls are immortal; and that all Crime will be punished and Virtue rewarded either here or hereafter ... — Benjamin Franklin

The purpose of money was to purchase one's freedom to pursue that which is useful and interesting. — Benjamin Franklin

A wolf eats sheep but now and then, ten Thousands are devour'd by Men. — Benjamin Franklin

Whoever feels pain in hearing a good character of his neighbor, will feel a pleasure in the reverse. And those who despair to rise in distinction by their virtues, are happy if others can be depressed to a level of themselves. — Benjamin Franklin

It is prodigious the quantity of good that may be done by one man if he will make a business of it. — Benjamin Franklin

Traveling is one way of lengthening life, at least in appearance. — Benjamin Franklin

To whom you betray your secret you sell your liberty. — Benjamin Franklin

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. — Benjamin Franklin

He that would travel much, should eat little. — Benjamin Franklin

I early found that when I worked for myself alone, myself alone worked for me; but when I worked for others also, others worked also for me. — Benjamin Franklin

When befriended, remember it; when you befriend, forget it. — Benjamin Franklin

'Tis more noble to forgive, and more manly to despise, than to revenge an Injury. — Benjamin Franklin

Where liberty is, there is my country. — Benjamin Franklin

Practice makes perfect. — Benjamin Franklin

Certainlie these things agree, The Priest, the Lawyer, & Death all three: Death takes both the weak and the strong. The lawyer takes from both right and wrong, And the priest from living and dead has his Fee. — Benjamin Franklin

That wise Men have in all Ages thought Government necessary for the Good of Mankind; and, that wise Governments have always thought Religion necessary for the well ordering and well-being of Society, and accordingly have been ever careful to encourage and protect the Ministers of it, paying them the highest publick Honours, that their Doctrines might thereby meet with the greater Respect among the common People. — Benjamin Franklin

Content and Riches seldom meet together, Riches take thou, contentment I had rather. — Benjamin Franklin

He that is conscious of a stink in his breeches is [suspicious] of every wrinkle in another's nose. — Benjamin Franklin

But in this world nothing is sure but death and taxes. — Benjamin Franklin

It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. — Benjamin Franklin

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

I think all the heretics I have known have been virtuous men. They have the virtue of fortitude, or they would not venture to own their heresy; and they cannot afford to be deficient in any of the other virtues, as they would give advantage to their many enemies; and they have not, like orthodox sinners, such a number of friends to excuse or justify them. — Benjamin Franklin

Those have a short Lent who owe money to be paid at Easter. — Benjamin Franklin

Tis hard for an empty bag to stand upright. — Benjamin Franklin

The best tranquilizer is a clear conscience. — Benjamin Franklin

The doors of wisdom are never shut. — Benjamin Franklin

Life with Fools consists in Drinking; with the wise Man, living's Thinking. — Benjamin Franklin

A man separated from his reflective belt is no man at all. — Benjamin Franklin

We are not so sensible of the greatest Health as of the least Sickness. — Benjamin Franklin

Let our Fathers and Grandfathers be valued for their Goodness, ourselves for our own. — Benjamin Franklin

Time eateth all things, could old poets say, The times are chang'd, our times drink all away. — Benjamin Franklin

The punishment of murder by death is contrary to reason, and to the order and happiness of society, and contrary to divine revelation. — Benjamin Franklin

Let every one ascertain his special business and calling, and then stick to it if he wants to be successful. — Benjamin Franklin

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

The early morning has gold in its mouth. — Benjamin Franklin

Remember, Sir, that [England] began the slave trade! — Benjamin Franklin

Waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. — Benjamin Franklin

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

Let honesty be as the breath of thy soul. Benjamin Franklin — Laura Frantz

Grace thou thy house and let not that grace thee. — Benjamin Franklin

Families ought to be noisy. — Benjamin Franklin

As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of Morals and his Religion, as he left them to us, the best the World ever saw or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting Changes; and I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity. — Benjamin Franklin

The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but it is still nonsense. — Benjamin Franklin

If Passion drives, let Reason hold the Reins. — Benjamin Franklin

I firmly believe this ... that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest. — Benjamin Franklin

Energy and persistence conquer all things. — Benjamin Franklin

He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face. - Ben Franklin — Benjamin Franklin

Nor is it of much Importance to us to know the Manner in which Nature executes her laws; 'tis enough to know the Laws themselves. — Benjamin Franklin

If you would not be forgotten, do things worth remembering. — Benjamin Franklin

Nothing is so tiresome to one's self, as well as so odious to others, as disguise and affectation. — Benjamin Franklin

I guess I don't so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old. — Benjamin Franklin

Anyone can complain, and they should have the right to, but if you want to see change you must act. Actions speak louder than words. Don't complain about things, change things. — Benjamin Franklin

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote! — Benjamin Franklin

He gives twice that gives soon, i.e., he will soon be called to give again. — Benjamin Franklin

I wish to live without committing any fault at any time. — Benjamin Franklin

All things are cheap to the saving, dear to the wasteful — Benjamin Franklin

If you'd be wealthy, think of saving, more than of getting: The Indies have not made Spain rich, because her Outgoes equal her Incomes. — Benjamin Franklin

Most people dislike vanity in others, whatever share they have of it themselves; — Benjamin Franklin

History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion, from its usefulness to the public; the advantage of a religious character among private persons; the mischiefs of superstition, and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern. — Benjamin Franklin

In other men we faults can spy,/ And blame the mote that dims their eye;/ Each little speck and blemish find;/ To our own stronger errors blind. — Benjamin Franklin

When the well is dry, we know the worth of water. — Benjamin Franklin

He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing. — Benjamin Franklin

Nothing great comes without enthusiasm. — Benjamin Franklin

The wise and the brave dares own that he was wrong. — Benjamin Franklin

He that lives upon hope will die farting. — Benjamin Franklin

Democracy is like having two wolves and a lamb decide what is for dinner. — Benjamin Franklin

He's a fool who cannot conceal his wisdom. — Benjamin Franklin

A wicked Hero will turn his back to an innocent coward. — Benjamin Franklin

Eat few suppers, and you'll need few medicines. — Benjamin Franklin

There's many witty men whose brains can't fill their bellies. — Benjamin Franklin

Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one. — Benjamin Franklin

In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words, industry and frugality; that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted), will certainly become rich, if that Being who governs the world, to whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavours, doth not, in his wise providence, otherwise determine. — Benjamin Franklin

When men and woman die, as poets sung, his heart's the last part moves, her last, the tongue. — Benjamin Franklin

Our friend and we were invited aboard on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he has gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him. — Benjamin Franklin

To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals. — Benjamin Franklin

He's the best physician who knows the worthlessness of most medicines. — Benjamin Franklin

What good shall I do this day? — Benjamin Franklin

Grief for a dead Wife, and a troublesome Guest, Continues to the threshold, and there is at rest; But I mean such wives as are none of the best — Benjamin Franklin

You can't tell anyone anything. You have to teach people for them to remember. Let the person experience what you are teaching and they will learn. — Benjamin Franklin

He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows nor judge all he sees. — Benjamin Franklin

There is much truth in the Italian saying, 'Make yourselves sheep, and the wolves will eat you.' — Benjamin Franklin

In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is Freedom, in water there is bacteria. — Benjamin Franklin

A virtuous and industrious people may be cheaply governed. — Benjamin Franklin

If we restrict liberty to attain security we will lose them both. — Benjamin Franklin

What physicians call perspirable matter is that vapour which passes off from our bodies, from the lungs, and through the pores of the skin. The quantity of this is said to be five eighths of what we eat. - Author. — Benjamin Franklin

My elder brothers were all put apprentices to different trades. I was put to the grammar-school at eight years of age, my father intending to devote me, as the tithe of his sons, to the service of the Church. — Benjamin Franklin

Epitaph on a scolding wife by her husband: Here my poor Bridget's corpse doth lie, she is at rest - and so am I! — Benjamin Franklin

Blame-all and Praise-all are two blockheads. — Benjamin Franklin

Words may show a man's wit but actions his meaning. — Benjamin Franklin

Chess teaches foresight, by having to plan ahead; vigilance, by having to keep watch over the whole chess board; caution, by having to restrain ourselves from making hasty moves; and finally, we learn from chess the greatest maxim in life - that even when everything seems to be going badly for us we should not lose heart, but always hoping for a change for the better, steadfastly continue searching for the solutions to our problems. — Benjamin Franklin

Were the offer made true, I would engage to run again, from beginning to end, the same career of life. All I would ask should be the privilege of an author, to correct, in a second edition, certain errors of the first. — Benjamin Franklin

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

At the turn of the century, parishioners attacked vaudeville as a sinful venture. Organized boycotts adversely affected ticket sales. Benjamin Franklin Keith's wife was deeply religious and prodded her husband to follow church directives. Comedian Fred Allen said, 'Mrs. Keith instigated the chaste policy, for she would tolerate no profanity, no suggestive allusions, double-entendres or off-color monkey business. — Kliph Nesteroff

You can not pluck roses without fear of thorns, Nor enjoy a fair wife without danger of horns. — Benjamin Franklin

There are two ways of being happy: We may either diminish our wants or augment our means- either will do- the result in the same; and it is for each man to decide for himself, and do that which happens to be the easiest. If you are idle or sick or poor, however hard it may be to diminish your wants, it will be harder to augment your means. If you are active and prosperous or young and in good health, it may be easier for you to augment your means than to diminish your wants. But if you are wise, you will do both at the same time, young or old, rich or poor, sick or well; and if you are very wise you will do both in such a way as to augment the general happiness of society. — Benjamin Franklin

Who had deceived thee so often as thyself? — Benjamin Franklin

When in doubt, don't. — Benjamin Franklin

A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one. — Benjamin Franklin