Politician · American · 1706 – 1790 · 199 quotes
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
Politician · American · 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.
To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.
Nine men in ten are would be suicides.
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
Beauty and folly are old companions.
The doors of wisdom are never shut.
No nation was ever ruined by trade.
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.
Half a truth is often a great lie.
Never confuse motion with action.
One today is worth two tomorrows.
You may delay, but time will not.
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Lost time is never found again.
I guess I don't so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old.
Remember that credit is money.
Observe all men, thyself most.
Time is money.
Honesty is the best policy.
Applause waits on success.
Many foxes grow gray but few grow good.
Our necessities never equal our wants.
He that speaks much, is much mistaken.
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.
He that rises late must trot all day.
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.
Necessity never made a good bargain.
A small leak can sink a great ship.
Well done is better than well said.
A penny saved is a penny earned.
He that's secure is not safe.
Beware the hobby that eats.
Fatigue is the best pillow.
Hunger is the best pickle.
Mine is better than ours.
Industry need not wish.
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.
When in doubt, don't.
