Benjamin Franklin

Electricity experiments, founding father

Early Modern influential 213 sayings

Sayings by Benjamin Franklin

The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.

1734 — From 'Poor Richard's Almanack'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The great secret of succeeding in conversation is to admire little, to hear much, to contradict seldom, and to use all the good manners one can.

1751 — Letters to his son, William
Controversial Unverifiable

He that is rich, and wants a reputation, may buy it dear. But he that is poor, and wants one, may buy it cheap.

1738 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

Three things are men most apt to be cheated in, a horse, a wig, and a wife.

1736 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

The most important of all business is to be busy.

1732 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

What maintains one vice would bring up two children.

1734 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

If you would be loved, love and be amiable.

1735 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

Contentment makes poor men rich, discontent makes rich men poor.

1755 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

The way to wealth is as short as the way to market.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

He that has a trade, has an estate; and he that has a calling, has an office of profit and honor.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1740 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

Never confuse motion with action.

1736 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

Half a truth is often a great lie.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Confirmed

It is a grand mistake to think of being great without ever being good.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

The borrower is servant to the lender and the debtor to the creditor.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

There are no gains without pains.

1734 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

He that has a calling, has an office of profit and honor.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

Industry need not wish, and he that lives upon hopes will die fasting.

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Unverifiable

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

1758 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Controversial Confirmed