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
It would be thought a hard Government that should tax its People one tenth Part of their Time, to be employed in its Service.
Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay great ones - with ingratitude
Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones - with ingratitude.
Like a man travelling in foggy weather, those at some distance before him on the road he sees wrapped up in the fog, as well as those behind him, and also the people in the fields on each side, but near him all appears clear, though in truth he is as much in the fog as any of them.
Where there is a free government, and the people make their own laws by their representatives, I see no injustice in their obliging one another to take their own paper money.
The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
The King's cheese is half wasted in parings: But no matter, 'tis made of the people's milk.
People who are willing to give up freedom for the sake of short term security, deserve neither freedom nor security.
I have met the enemy, and it is the eyes of other people.
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.
Nothing is more important for the public wealth than to form and train youth in wisdom and virtue. Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.
People who are wrapped up in themselves make small packages.
In prosperous fortunes be modest and wise, The greatest may fall, and the lowest may rise: But insolent People that fall in disgrace, Are wretched and nobody pities their Case.
It is the eye of other people that ruin us. If I were blind I would want, neither fine clothes, fine houses or fine furniture.