Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklinwas one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A renowned polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He facilitated many civic organizations, including...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionScientist
Date of Birth17 January 1706
CityBoston, MA
CountryUnited States of America
for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too.
Friends and neighbors, the taxes are indeed very heavy, and if those laid on by the government were the only ones we had to pay, we might more easily discharge them; but we have many others, and much more grievous to some of us. We are taxed twice as much by our idleness, three times as much by our pride, and four times as much by our folly; and from these taxes the commissioners cannot ease or deliver us by allowing abatement.
If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
If a man could half of his wishes, he would double his troubles.
If a Man casually exceeds, let him fast the next Meal, and all may be well again, provided it be not too often done; as if he exceed at Dinner, let him refrain a Supper, &c.
For the want of a nail, the shoe was lose; for the want of a shoe the horse was lose; and for the want of a horse the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by the enemy, all for the want of care about a horseshoe nail.
Forwarn'd, forearm'd, unless in the case of Cuckolds, who are often forearm'd before warn'd
For want of a nail the shoe was lost, For want of a shoe the horse was lost, For want of a horse the rider was lost, Forwant of a rider the battle was lost, For want of a battle the kingdom was lost, And all for the want of a horse.
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never mended well.
God heals and the doctor takes the fee.
If wind blows on you thro' a hole, Make your will and take care of your soul.
If what most men admire, they would despise, 'Twould look as if mankind were growing wise
If thou hast wit & learning, add to it Wisdom and Modesty.
If thou dost ill, the joy fades, not the pains; If well, the pain doth fade, the joy remains.