WIST Quotations

Franklin, Benjamin -- “The Way to Wealth” (7 Jul 1757)

Dave — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:44:44 +0000

Leisure is Time for doing something useful; this Leisure the diligent Man will obtain but the lazy Man never.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“The Way to Wealth” (7 Jul 1757)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity” (1725)

Dave — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 16:04:46 +0000

In short, we can judge by nothing but Appearances, and they are very apt to deceive us. Some put on a gay chearful Outside, and appear to the World perfectly at Ease, tho’ even then, some inward Sting, some secret Pain imbitters all their Joys, and makes the Balance even: Others appear continually dejected and full of Sorrow; but even Grief itself is sometimes pleasant, and Tears are not always without their Sweetness: Besides, Some take a Satisfaction in being thought unhappy, (as others take a Pride in being thought humble,) these will paint their Misfortunes to others in the strongest Colours, and leave no Means unus’d to make you think them thoroughly miserable; so great a Pleasure it is to them to be pitied; Others retain the Form and outside Shew of Sorrow, long after the Thing itself, with its Cause, is remov’d from the Mind; it is a Habit they have acquir’d and cannot leave.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity” (1725)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:19:38 +0000

If all Printers were determin’d not to print any thing till they were sure it would offend no body, there would be very little printed.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 01:31:49 +0000

It is as unreasonable in any one Man or Set of Men to expect to be pleas’d with every thing that is printed, as to think that nobody ought to be pleas’d but themselves.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:09:43 +0000

Printers are educated in the Belief, that when Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick; and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter: Hence they chearfully serve all contending Writers that pay them well, without regarding on which side they are of the Question in Dispute.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Wed, 03 May 2023 14:20:08 +0000

That hence arises the peculiar Unhappiness of that Business, which other Callings are no way liable to; they who follow Printing being scarce able to do any thing in their way of getting a Living, which shall not probably give Offence to some, and perhaps to many; whereas the Smith, the Shoemaker, the Carpenter, or the Man of any other Trade, may work indifferently for People of all Persuasions, without offending any of them: and the Merchant may buy and sell with Jews, Turks, Hereticks, and Infidels of all sorts, and get Money by every one of them, without giving Offence to the most orthodox, of any sort; or suffering the least Censure or Ill-will on the Account from any Man whatever.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Wed, 10 May 2023 14:06:16 +0000

Being thus continually employ’d in serving all Parties, Printers naturally acquire a vast Unconcernedness as to the right or wrong Opinions contain’d in what they print; regarding it only as the Matter of their daily labour: They print things full of Spleen and Animosity, with the utmost Calmness and Indifference, and without the least Ill-will to the Persons reflected on; who nevertheless unjustly think the Printer as much their Enemy as the Author, and join both together in their Resentment.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Thu, 18 May 2023 02:12:19 +0000

It is unreasonable to imagine Printers approve of every thing they print, and to censure them on any particular thing accordingly; since in the way of their Business they print such great variety of things opposite and contradictory. It is likewise as unreasonable what some assert, That Printers ought not to print any Thing but what they approve; since if all of that Business should make such a Resolution, and abide by it, an End would thereby be put to Free Writing, and the World would afterwards have nothing to read but what happen’d to be the Opinions of Printers.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)

Dave — Wed, 24 May 2023 19:55:09 +0000

If all the People of different Opinions in this Province would engage to give me as much for not printing things they don’t like, as I can get by printing them, I should probably live a very easy Life; and if all Printers were every where so dealt by, there would be very little printed.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Apology for Printers,” Philadelphia Gazette (1731-06-10)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Busy-Body Papers,” American Weekly Mercury (18 Feb 1729)

Dave — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:17:06 +0000

I believe long habits of virtue have a sensible effect on the countenance.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Busy-Body Papers,” American Weekly Mercury (18 Feb 1729)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Dialogue Between Franklin and the Gout” (22 Oct 1780)

Dave — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:18:23 +0000

You philosophers are sages in your maxims, and fools in your conduct.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Dialogue Between Franklin and the Gout” (22 Oct 1780)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Dialogue Between Two Presbyterians” (1735)

Dave — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:08:24 +0000

Morality or Virtue is the end, faith only a Means to obtain that end: And if the end be obtained, it is no matter by what means.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Dialogue Between Two Presbyterians” (1735)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “Epitaph on Himself” (1778)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The body of Benjamin Franklin, Printer (like the cover of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding), lies here, food for worms; but the work shall not be lost, for it will (as he believed) appear once more in a new and more elegant edition, revised and corrected by the author.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“Epitaph on Himself” (1778)

Variant words (and format):

The body of
B. Franklin
Printer
Like the cover of an old book,
its contents torn out,
and stripped of its lettering and gilding,
lies here, food for worms.
But the work shall not be wholly lost;
for it will, as he believed, appear once more,
in a new and more perfect edition
corrected and amended
by the Author.

Franklin, Benjamin -- “On True Happiness,” The Pennsylvania Gazette (20 Nov 1735)

Dave — Wed, 05 Jul 2017 15:59:19 +0000

Ambition has its disappointments to sour us, but never the good fortune to satisfy us. Its appetite grows keener by indulgence and all we can gratify it with at present serves but the more to inflame its insatiable desires.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“On True Happiness,” The Pennsylvania Gazette (20 Nov 1735)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- “The Way to Wealth” (1758)

Dave — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 23:01:41 +0000

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
“The Way to Wealth” (1758)
(Source)

Today, this is more commonly given as "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today."

Franklin had used a different phrasing in Poor Richard (1742 ed.): "Have you somewhat to do To-morrow, do it To-day." That was reprinted in Poor Richard Improved (1758 ed.), but when that latter work was condensed into "The Way to Wealth" that same year, the wording above was used.

As with so many of Franklin's "Poor Richard" aphorisms, this was not original to him. Thomas Fuller uses a similar phrase in 1725.

The sentiment itself has been mocked or modified by others such as Mark Twain, Josh Bilings, Aldous Huxley, Pablo Picasso, and Mignon McLaughlin.

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

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

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

If we take care of the minutes, the years will take care of themselves.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

There is no kind of dishonesty into which otherwise good people more easily and frequently fall than that of defrauding the government.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

I haven’t failed, I’ve found ten thousand ways that don’t work.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

(also attrib. Thomas Edison)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still ’tis nonsense.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

You may delay, but Time will not.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:44:23 +0000

We must all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Attributed remark at the signing of the Declaration of Independence (4 Jul 1776)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 21:52:19 +0000

Carelessness does more harm than a want of knowledge.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Attributed)

Dave — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 23:28:48 +0000

Fake quotes will ruin the Internet.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Attributed)

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Spurious)

Dave — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 18:13:24 +0000

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Spurious)

Frequently attributed to Franklin, but not found in his writing (and the word "lunch" dates only back to the 1820s). The phrase is only found in sources dating back to the early 1990s, e.g.,

"Democracy is like two wolves and a lamb deciding on what they want for dinner." [Shelby Foote in Ken Burns, Civil War (1990)]
"Democracy has been described as four wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch." [Los Angeles Times (25 Nov 1990)]
"Democracy is not freedom. Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to eat for lunch. Freedom comes from the recognition of certain rights which may not be taken, not even by a 99% vote." [Marvin Simkin, Los Angeles Times (1992)]
"Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner." [James Bovard, Lost Rights, "Conclusion" (1994)]

Franklin, Benjamin -- (Spurious)

Dave — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:34:47 +0000

War is when the government tells you who the bad guy is. Revolution is when you decide that for yourself.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
(Spurious)

Not found in the recorded works of Franklin, nor of Napoleon Bonaparte (to whom it is also attributed). The number of variants is an indicator this is an unconfirmed attribution:

"... who the enemy is" or "... who your enemy is."
"... you figure it out ..."

The term "bad guy" is an Americanism from the early 20th Century (the OED dates it to 1932; Dictionary.com to the early 1920s). But even if one uses the "enemy" variant, this sounds unlike either Franklin or Napoleon.

Despite his skeptical nature, Franklin did not speak out against propagandistic influences on war (or revolution). Indeed, he was a skilled, if subtle, propagandist himself. Nor did he object to "government" in general (he would have attacked "the Crown" or "Parliament") nor any war that the British government had declared.
Napoleon, as self-appointed Emperor of France (and war-maker, though most of his conquests were a result of other countries declaring war on him) would not have made the first half of this phrase, as he was the government. Nor, as one whose regime depended on propaganda, would he have suggested people decide for themselves who the true enemy is.
Neither man, as a rule, wrote their various aphorisms in the second person ("you"). At most they might have used "one"; more often, it would have been "a man" or some third person construction.

The quotation is occasionally attributed to Susan Sarandon. While she did use it (e.g., at a pro-Palestinian speech), she attributed it in turn to Napoleon.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Autobiography, 1771 (1798)

Dave — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:46:00 +0000

So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Autobiography, 1771 (1798)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Autobiography, 1784 (1798)

Dave — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:51:52 +0000

A perfect character might be attended with the inconveniences of being envied and hated; … a benevolent man should allow a few faults in himself, to keep his friends in contenance.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Autobiography, 1784 (1798)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Autobiography, ch. 1

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Were it offered to my choice, I should have no objection to a repetition of the same life from its beginning, only asking the advantages authors have in a second edition to correct some faults in the first.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Autobiography, ch. 1

Franklin, Benjamin -- Autobiography, Part 2 (1785)

Dave — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 18:00:54 +0000

I had been religiously educated as a Presbyterian; and tho’ some of the Dogmas of that Persuasion, such as the Eternal Decrees of God, Election, Reprobation, &c. appear’d to me unintelligible, others doubtful, & I early absented myself from the Public Assemblies of the Sect, Sunday being my Studying-Day, I never was without some religious Principles; I never doubted, for instance, the Existence of the Deity, that he made the World, & 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 & Virtue rewarded either here or hereafter; these I esteem’d the Essentials of every Religion, and being to be found in all the Religions we had in our Country I respected them all, tho’ with different degrees of Respect as I found them more or less mix’d with other Articles which without any Tendency to inspire, promote or confirm Morality, serv’d principally to divide us & make us unfriendly to one another.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Autobiography, Part 2 (1785)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Autobiography, Virtue #7 “Sincerity,” 1784 (1798)

Dave — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:50:54 +0000

Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Autobiography, Virtue #7 “Sincerity,” 1784 (1798)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard Improved, “August” (1752)

Dave — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 23:30:05 +0000

Old Boys have their Playthings as well as young Ones; the Difference is only in the Price.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard Improved, “August” (1752)
(Source)

Cf. the contemporary "The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys." See Forbes.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Alamanack (Apr 1758)

Dave — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 22:48:38 +0000

Silence is not always a Sign of Wisdom, but Babbling is ever a Mark of Folly.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Alamanack (Apr 1758)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

It is Ill-manners to silence a fool, and Cruelty to let him go on.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Many a little makes a mickle. Beware of small expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack

Dave — Tue, 29 Jun 2004 17:22:55 +0000

Children and Princes will quarrel for Trifles.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1736)

Dave — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:20:11 +0000

He that can have patience can have what he will.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1736)

Full text.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1743)

Dave — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:39:39 +0000

Many a long dispute among Divines may be thus abridg’d, It is so; It is not so. It is so; It is not so.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1743)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1743)

Dave — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:27:19 +0000

How many observe Christ’s Birth-day! How few, his Precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1743)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1748)

Dave — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 16:34:46 +0000

He is not well-bred, that cannot bear Ill-Breeding in others.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1748)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1749)

Dave — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 16:59:53 +0000

Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1749)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1751)

Dave — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:38:35 +0000

It is easier to suppress the first Desire than to satisfy all that follow it.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1751)
(Source)

Included in his summary piece, "The Way to Wealth" (1757).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1753)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

He that is of Opinion Money will do every Thing, may well be suspected of doing every Thing for Money.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1753)

See also Halifax.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1755)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Be at War with your Vices, at Peace with your Neighbours, and let every New-Year find you a better Man.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1755)

More information on this quotation here.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1756)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1756)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1757)

Dave — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:29:00 +0000

Act uprightly, and despise Calumny; Dirt may stick to a Mud Wall, but not to polish’d Marble.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1757)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (1758)

Dave — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:30:37 +0000

The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (1758)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Apr 1751)

Dave — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 16:42:16 +0000

Most People return small Favors, acknowledge middling ones, and repay great ones with Ingratitude.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Apr 1751)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Apr 1758)

Dave — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:16:18 +0000

You may delay, but Time will not.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Apr 1758)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Aug 1750)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Aug 1750)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Aug 1751)

Dave — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:31:02 +0000

‘Tis a great Confidence in a Friend to tell him your Faults, greater to tell him his.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Aug 1751)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1743)

Dave — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:50:53 +0000

Experience keeps a dear school, yet Fools will learn in no other.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1743)
(Source)

Franklin quotes Poor Richard as well in The Way to Wealth (1758).

More discussion of this quotation, and an image of the original page: Experience Keeps a Dear School; Yet Fools Will Learn In No Other – Quote Investigator.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1752)

Dave — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 13:26:00 +0000

Success has ruined many a man.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1752)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1756)

Dave — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:41:02 +0000

Tell me my Faults, and mend your own.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dec 1756)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Feb 1753)

Dave — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:57:36 +0000

Setting too good an Example is a Kind of Slander seldom forgiven.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Feb 1753)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Feb 1755)

Dave — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:55:20 +0000

If you would be loved, love and be lovable.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Feb 1755)

Earlier given, "If you'd be beloved, make yourself amiable." (Nov 1744). See Ovid.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jan 1755)

Dave — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 13:43:07 +0000

A Man without a Wife is but half a Man.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jan 1755)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1735)

Dave — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:42:42 +0000

Sloth and Silence are a Fool’s Virtues.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1735)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1753)

Dave — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:40:44 +0000

Anger is never without a Reason,
But seldom with a good One.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1753)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1756)

Dave — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 13:16:13 +0000

Tomorrow, every Fault is to be amended;
but that Tomorrow never comes.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1756)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jun 1735)

Dave — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:02:16 +0000

Nothing but Money
Is sweeter than Honey.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jun 1735)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jun 1752)

Dave — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:32:42 +0000

Mankind are very odd Creatures: One Half censure what they practice, the other half practice what they censure; the rest always say and do as they ought.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jun 1752)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1752)

Dave — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:44:04 +0000

Calamity and Prosperity are the Touchstones of Integrity.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1752)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1753)

Dave — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:10:52 +0000

When Reason preaches, if you won’t hear her, she’ll box your Ears.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1753)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1756)

Dave — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:47:16 +0000

Love your Enemies, for they tell you your Faults.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Mar 1756)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1749)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

If Passion drives, let Reason hold the Reins.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1749)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1755)

Dave — Fri, 08 May 2015 13:39:16 +0000

The honest Man takes Pains, and then enjoys Pleasures;
the Knave takes Pleasure, and then suffers Pains.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1755)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1757)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Work as if you were to live 100 years; pray as if you were to die tomorrow.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (May 1757)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1751)

Dave — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:18:35 +0000

Not to oversee Workmen, is to leave them your Purse open.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1751)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1755)

Dave — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:46:25 +0000

Diligence overcomes Difficulties; Sloth makes them.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1755)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1757)

Dave — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:00:42 +0000

Happiness depends more on the inward Disposition of Mind than on the outward Circumstances.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Nov 1757)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1748)

Dave — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:16:20 +0000

Most fools think they are only ignorant.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1748)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1749)

Dave — Thu, 07 May 2015 12:20:51 +0000

Nine men in ten are suicides.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1749)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1750)

Dave — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:59:17 +0000

Hide not your Talents, they for Use were made.
What’s a Sun-Dial in the Shade?

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1750)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1755)

Dave — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:05:55 +0000

Being ignorant is not so much a Shame, as being unwilling to learn.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1755)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1758)

Dave — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:08:38 +0000

To serve the Public faithfully, and at the same time please it entirely, is impracticable.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Oct 1758)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack, December (1748)

Dave — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 21:32:02 +0000

In Christmas feasting pray take care;
Let not your table be a Snare;
But with the Poor God’s Bounty share.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack, December (1748)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1755)

Dave — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:42:15 +0000

Who is wise? He that learns from every One. Who is powerful? He that governs his Passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard’s Almanack (Jul 1755)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 21:06:32 +0000

Distrust and caution are the parents of security.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:34:25 +0000

Hunger never saw bad bread.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:18:40 +0000

After 3 days men grow weary,
of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

See Plautus.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 16:33:03 +0000

The proof of gold is fire, the proof of woman, gold; the proof of man, a woman.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 17:15:16 +0000

Mirth pleaseth some, to others ’tis offence,
Some commend plain conceit, some profound sense;
Some wish a witty Jest, some dislike that,
And most would have themselves they know not what.
Then he that would please all, and himself too,
Takes more in hand than he is like to do.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:33:56 +0000

The Poor have little, Beggars none,
The Rich too much, enough not one.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Repeated in Poor Richard (1740).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 17:15:54 +0000

Take counsel in wine, but resolve afterwards in water.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1733)

Dave — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 18:02:57 +0000

Where bread is wanting, all’s to be sold.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1733)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Blame-all and Praise-all are two blockheads.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 20 May 2008 10:24:41 +0000

Where there’s Marriage without Love, there will be Love without Marriage.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 12:28:31 +0000

Take this remark from Richard poor and lame,
Whate’er’s begun in anger ends in shame.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 12:19:59 +0000

A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 19:31:25 +0000

Would you persuade, speak of Interest, not of Reason.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:42:03 +0000

There have been as great Souls unknown to fame as any of the most famous.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

See also Gray, Reade, Ecclesiasticus.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:59:02 +0000

He that cannot obey, cannot command.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

See Thomas a Kempis and Cicero.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:18:41 +0000

He that is rich need not live sparingly, and he that can live sparingly need not be rich.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:45:13 +0000

Laws like to Cobwebs catch small Flies,
Great ones break thro’ before your eyes.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

See Swift.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:18:17 +0000

Altho’ thy Teacher act not as he preaches,
Yet ne’ertheless, if good, do what he teaches;
Good Counsel, failing Men may give; for why,
He that’s aground knows where the Shoal doth lie.
My old Friend Berryman, oft, when alive,
Taught others Thrift; himself could never thrive:
Thus like the Whetstone, many Men are wont
To sharpen others while themselves are blunt.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:21:27 +0000

From a cross Neighbour, and a sullen Wife,
A pointless Needle, and a broken Knife;
From Suretyship, and from an empty Purse,
A Smoaky Chimney and a jolting Horse;
From a dull Razor, and an aking Head,
From a bad Conscience and a buggy Bed;
A Blow upon the Elbow and the Knee,
From each of these, Good L—d deliver me.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:58:42 +0000

Better slip with foot than tongue.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:05:54 +0000

Wedlock, as old Men note, hath likened been,
Unto a publick Crowd or common Rout;
Where those that are without would fain get in,
And those that are within would fain get out.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

See also Montaigne, Burton, Antrim.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:06:54 +0000

He does not possess Wealth, it possesses him.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:15:42 +0000

He that waits upon Fortune, is never sure of a Dinner.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:26:34 +0000

Be temperate in wine, in eating, girls, and sloth;
Or the Gout will seize you and plague you both.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1734)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Do good to thy friend to keep him, to thy enemy to gain him.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1734)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Necessity never made a good bargain.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

A borrowing from Howell (1659).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 12:29:30 +0000

Three may keep a Secret, if two of them are dead.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 04:04:58 +0000

Be slow in chusing a Friend, slower in changing.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:44:19 +0000

By diligence and patience, the mouse bit in two the cable.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 09 May 2024 15:51:23 +0000

A little House well fill’d, a little Field well till’d, and a little Wife well will’d, are great Riches.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

As with so many other proverbs, Franklin did not originate it, just presented it as Poor Richard's own.

The oldest version of this is handwritten (at the same time period) in a copy of the Grete Herball (1526), found by William Hazlitt in the late 19th C:

A little house well filled,
A little land well tilled,
And a little wife well willed,
Are great riches.

It was likely known before then. Subsequent to that, a version was included by John Ray in his Compleat English Proverbs [Ray's Proverbs] (1670):

A little house well fill'd,
a little land well till'd,
and a little wife well will'd.

It was later adapted by James Hook as "A little Farm well till'd," in the comic opera, The Soldier's Return (1805), the first lines of which read:

A little Farm well tilled,
A little Cot well filled,
A little Wife well will'd,
Give me, give me.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:54:15 +0000

When will the Miser’s Chest be full enough?
When will he cease his Bags to cram and stuff?
All Day he labours and all Night contrives,
Providing as if he’d an hundred Lives.
While endless Care cuts short the common Span:
So have I seen with Dropsy swoln, a Man,
Drink and drink more, and still unsatisfi’d,
Drink till Drink drown’d him, yet he thirsty dy’d.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:06:36 +0000

The King’s cheese is half wasted in parings: But no matter, ’tis made of the peoples milk.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 16:51:48 +0000

Poverty wants some things, Luxury many things, Avarice all things.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1735 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 14:33:49 +0000

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1735 ed.)
(Source)

There are a variety of predecessors to Franklin focused on early rising. Aristotle mentions it in his Economics using very similar language to "healthy, wealthy, and wise". (He also suggests, though, staying up late for similar reasons.) An old English proverb (mentioned in 1496) notes “Whoever will rise early shall be holy, healthy, and happy.”

Eventually this morphs (and begins including advice to go to bed early, too) into what John Clarke records in Paroemiologia Anglo-Latina in usum scholarum concinnata [Proverbs English and Latine adopted for use in schools] (1639), the same wording as Franklin uses.

As with many popular Poor Richard adages, this one has been riffed against by many others, e.g., Thurber, Animaniacs.

More discussion about this quote's origins: About the Old Proverb “Early to Bed, Early to Rise…”.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:06:45 +0000

Admiration is the Daughter of Ignorance.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:55:46 +0000

Some have learnt many Tricks of sly Evasion,
Instead of Truth they use Equivocation,
And eke it out with mental Reservation,
Which to good Men is an Abomination.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:09:32 +0000

Fish and Visitors stink in 3 days.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Another saying Franklin repurposed from other sources. Proverbs comparing things to fish not aging well, or how guests outstay their welcome, or both, are not uncommon over the centuries.

Plautus is often mentioned as the originator of the combined sentiments, but instead he wrote of each individually. In the Asinaria [The Comedy of Asses], Act 1, sc. 3, l. 26 (c. 212-205 BC), he mentions a Roman proverb:

CLEARITA: Quasi piscis itidem est amator lenae: nequam est nisi recens.

[Just like a fish, so is a lover to a procuress; he's good for nothing if he isn't fresh.] [tr. Riley (1912)]
[For a brothel-keeper a lover is like a fish: he's no good unless he's fresh. [Source]
[For a madam a lover is just like a fish: if he’s not fresh, he’s worthless. [Loeb]]

Plautus also wrote in Miles Gloriosus [The Swaggering Soldier], Act 3, sc. 1, l. 146 (206 BC):

Hospes nullus tam in amici hospitium divorti potest, quin, ubi triduum continuum fuerit, jam odiosis siet.

[Whene’er a man is quartered at a friend’s, if he but stay three days, his company they will grow weary of.] [tr. Thomas]
[No guest is so welcome in a friend's house that he will not become a nuisance after three days.] [Source]

Medieval Italy sees the development of the proverb "L'ospite è come il pesce: dopo tre giorni puzza [The guest is like fish: after three days it stinks]." This is said to derive from the Latin "Post tres saepe dies vilescit piscis et hospes," which is sometimes credited (incorrectly) to Plautus. Wegeler includes that Latin in Philosophia Patrum [Philosophy of the Fathers] (1869) as a proverb (No. 931).

Erasmus in his Adagia [Proverbs] (1523), mentioning Plautus and the Asinaria line above, indicates a shortened version of this is still in circulation as a saying to (indirectly) refer to friends who stay three days or more:

Piscis nequam est, nisi recens.

[Fish is bad, unless it's fresh.]

John Lyly wrote in Euphues and His England (1580), "Fish and Guests in three days are stale."

Matthew Henry, in his Bible commentary (1706) on Proverbs 25:17, mentions that Latin proverb "Post tres saepe dies vilescit piscis et hospes" (translating it "After the third day fish and company become distasteful").

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 20:13:06 +0000

Diligence is the Mother of Good-Luck.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 15:06:08 +0000

Do not do that which you would not have known.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 19:50:59 +0000

Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 15:05:42 +0000

God helps them that help themselves.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Sometimes misattributed as a Biblical proverb. A modern variant is "God helps those that help themselves."

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 14:13:06 +0000

Don’t throw stones at your neighbours, if your own windows are glass.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

See Herbert (1640). Modern variant: "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 21:58:33 +0000

Force shites upon Reason’s Back.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1736 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:48:37 +0000

If you desire many things, many things will seem but a few.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1736 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:15:41 +0000

Well done is better than well said.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:44:49 +0000

The noblest question in the world is, What Good may I do in it?

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:28:22 +0000

As to the Weather, if I were to fall into the Method my Brother J****n sometimes uses, and tell you, Snow here or in New England, — Rain here or in South-Carolina, — Cold to the Northward, — Warm to the Southward, and the like, whatever Errors I might commit, I should be something more secure of not being detected in them: But I consider, it will be of no Service to any body to know what Weather it is 1000 miles off, and therefore I always set down positively what Weather my Reader will have, be he where he will at the time. We modestly desire only the favourable Allowance of a day or two before and a day or two after the precise Day against which the Weather is set; and if it does not come to pass accordingly, let the Fault be laid upon the Printer, who, ’tis very like, may have transpos’d or misplac’d it, perhaps for the Conveniency of putting in his Holidays: And since, in spight of all I can say, People will give him great part of the Credit of making my Almanacks, ’tis but reasonable he should take some share of the Blame.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

"Brother J****n" is John Jerman, whose almanac Franklin had printed for several years, but who in 1737 moved to a different printer. Weather, forecast, prediction, blame

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:29:19 +0000

The Use of Money is all the Advantage there is in having Money.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 22:14:26 +0000

A Penny sav’d is Twopence clear,
A Pin a day is a Groat a Year.
Save and have.
Every little makes a mickle.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:06:15 +0000

The greatest monarch on the proudest throne, is oblig’d to sit upon his own arse.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 14:32:10 +0000

He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 21:16:11 +0000

He that can compose himself, is wiser than he that composes books.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 16:35:51 +0000

There are no ugly Loves, nor handsome Prisons.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 20:05:23 +0000

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:46:16 +0000

Certainlie these things agree,
The Priest, the Lawyer, and 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 (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:55:23 +0000

Don’t misinform your Doctor nor your Lawyer.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:27:48 +0000

To-morrow I’ll reform, the Fool does say:
To day it self’s too late; the Wise did yesterday.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

See Martial (and Martial).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1737 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:57:26 +0000

He that pursues two Hares at once, does not catch one and lets t’other go.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1737 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Who has deceiv’d thee so oft as thy self?

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:31:26 +0000

If you wou’d not be forgotten
As soon as you are dead and rotten,
Either write things worth reading,
Or do things worth the writing.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 16:40:52 +0000

None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault, or acknowledge himself in error.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:40:00 +0000

Wink at small faults; remember thou hast great ones.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Either taken from, or from a common source by, Fuller (1725).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:55:09 +0000

Drive thy business; let not that drive thee.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

See previous passages from Fuller in 1725 and 1732.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:44:40 +0000

Wish a miser long life, and you wish him no good.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 18:08:36 +0000

He that would have a short Lent, let him borrow Money to be repaid at Easter.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:40:58 +0000

Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1738 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:28:29 +0000

There are three faithful friends, an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1738 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 29 May 2025 15:45:20 +0000

A Cure for Poetry,
Seven wealthy Towns contend for Homer, dead,
Thro’ which the living Homer beg’d his Bread.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

See Heywood (1635).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:31:55 +0000

Thou canst not joke an Enemy into a Friend; but thou may’st a Friend into an Enemy.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:21:29 +0000

Kings and Bears often worry their Keepers.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:04:26 +0000

Historians relate, not so much what is done, as what they would have believed.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:24:04 +0000

He that falls in love with himself, will have no Rivals.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:35:30 +0000

Blessed is he that expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

The earliest recorded usage of this phrase is actually Alexander Pope (1727), though Pope says he had devised it many years earlier. Modeled after the Beatitudes in the New Testament.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:16:03 +0000

A Man of Knowledge like a rich Soil, feeds
If not a world of Corn, a world of Weeds.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 15 May 2025 15:14:40 +0000

Proclaim not all thou knowest, all thou owest, all thou hast, nor all thou canst.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1739 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:14:10 +0000

Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden but it is forbidden because it’s hurtful.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1739 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 13:48:50 +0000

Observe all men, thy self most.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 15:00:16 +0000

To bear other Peoples afflictions, every one has Courage enough, and to spare.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:05:21 +0000

Happy that nation, fortunate that age, whose history is not diverting.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:18:18 +0000

Tricks and Treachery are the Practice of Fools, that have not Wit enough to be honest.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Borrowed without attribution from La Rochefoucauld (1665).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:26:24 +0000

Those who in quarrels interpose,
Must often wipe a bloody nose.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Borrowed (without attribution) from John Gay (1727).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:38:03 +0000

Thou hadst better eat salt with the Philosophers of Greece, than sugar with the Courtiers of Italy.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:40:45 +0000

Fear to do ill, and you need fear nought else.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:24:24 +0000

A Flatterer never seems absurd:
The Flatter’d always take his Word.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:11:43 +0000

Lend Money to an Enemy, and thou’lt gain him, to a Friend and thou’lt lose him.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1740 ed.) [borrowed]

Dave — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:36:31 +0000

An open Foe may prove a curse;
But a pretended friend is worse.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1740 ed.) [borrowed]
(Source)

Borrowed by Franklin from John Gay (1727).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:18:15 +0000

Up, Sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

Repeated (as "There will be enough sleeping in the Grave") in the preface (1757-07-07) to Poor Richard Improved (1758 ed.); the preface was also reprinted as The Way to Wealth.

Possibly borrowed from (or from a common source as) Fuller (1727).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 13:22:38 +0000

If you would keep your Secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:28:54 +0000

If evils come not, then our fears are vain:
And if they do, Fear but augments the pain.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:40:57 +0000

The cringing Train of Pow’r, survey;
What Creatures are so low as they!
With what obsequiousness they bend!
To what vile actions condescend!
Their Rise is on their Meanness built,
And Flatt’ry is their smallest Guilt.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:16:13 +0000

Don’t overload Gratitude; if you do, she’ll kick.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1741 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:03:22 +0000

At 20 years of age the Will reigns; at 30 the Wit; at 40 the Judgment.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1741 ed.)
(Source)

See Gracián (1647).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:04:29 +0000

Honest Men often go to Law for their Right; when Wise Men would sit down with the Wrong, supposing the first Loss least. In some Countries the Course of the Courts is so tedious, and the Expence so high, that the Remedy, Justice, is worse than, Injustice, the Disease. In my Travels I once saw a Sign call’d The Two Men at Law; One of them was painted on one Side, in a melancholy Posture, all in Rags, with this Scroll, I have lost my Cause. The other was drawn capering for Joy, on the other Side, with these Words, I have gain’d my Suit; but he was stark naked.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:03:55 +0000

What knowing Judgment, or what piercing Eye,
Can Man’s mysterious Maze of Falshood try?
Intriguing Man, of a suspicious Mind,
Man only knows the Cunning of his Kind;
With equal Wit can counter-work his Foes,
And Art with Art, and Fraud with Fraud oppose.
Then heed ye Fair, e’er you their Cunning prove,
And think of Treach’ry, while they talk of Love.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:47:27 +0000

One good Husband is worth two good Wives; for the scarcer things are the more they’re valued.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:11:00 +0000

You will be careful, if you are wise;
How you touch Men’s Religion, or Credit, or Eyes.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:53:48 +0000

To err is human, to repent divine, to persist devilish.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

See Pope (1711)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1742 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:37:39 +0000

Money and Man a mutual Friendship show:
Man makes false Money, Money makes Man so.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1742 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:53:13 +0000

A little well-gotten will do us more good,
Than lordships and scepters by Rapine and Blood.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 10:35:07 +0000

The World is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet every one has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the Affairs of his neighbour.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 08:42:01 +0000

Men differ daily, about things which are subject to Sense, is it likely then they should agree about things invisible.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 04:15:45 +0000

Beware, beware! he’ll cheat ’ithout scruple, who can without fear.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Not original with Franklin; see Fuller (1725).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:32:56 +0000

A little well-gotten will do us more good,
Than lordships and scepters by Rapine and Blood.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1743 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:57:36 +0000

’Tis easy to frame a good bold resolution;
But hard is the Task that concerns execution.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1743 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Hear Reason, or she’ll make you feel her.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

See also Franklin (1753).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

He who multiplies Riches multiplies Cares.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:12:22 +0000

Sloth (like Rust) consumes faster than Labour wears: the used Key is always bright.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Tue, 12 May 2015 12:05:38 +0000

Tart Words make no Friends: a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than Gallon of Vinegar.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

Not original with Franklin. See Giovanni Torriano, A Common Place of Italian Proverbs [Piazza universale di proverbi Italiani] (1666):

Il mele catta più mosche, che non fà l'aceto.

Honey gets more flyes to it, than doth viniger.

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 21:13:39 +0000

A soft Tongue may strike hard.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

See Howell (1659).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:13:51 +0000

Keep thou from the Opportunity, and God will keep thee from the Sin.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1744 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:08:17 +0000

If you’d be belov’d, make yourself amiable.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1744 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:51:01 +0000

’Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:34:59 +0000

No gains without pains.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin recapped this in his final Poor Richard Improved (1758 ed.): "There are no Gains, without Pains." This was in turn reprinted in abridged Way to Wealth (1773).

Sometimes erroneously cited to Poor Richard (1734 ed.); that has something different in structure and meaning: "Hope of gain / Lessens pain."

See also Breton (1577) and Herrick (1648).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:13:29 +0000

Wars bring scars.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:34:10 +0000

It’s common for Men to give 6 pretended Reasons instead of one real one.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:22:12 +0000

Many complain of their Memory, few of their Judgment.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Not an original sentiment from Franklin. See, for example, Montaigne (1578), La Rochefoucauld (1666).

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1745 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:23:32 +0000

He that resolves to mend hereafter, resolves not to mend now.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1745 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1746 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Dost thou love Life? then do not squander Time; for that’s the Stuff Life is made of.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1746 ed.)
(Source)

Reprinted in Poor Richard Improved (1758 ed.). This edition was Franklin's final Poor Richard, and he had it prefaced (1757-07-07) by a new character, Father Abraham, who combined a hundred aphorisms from previous Poor Richard almanacs. This preface became reprinted and (often abridged) known separately as "The Way to Wealth."

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1746 ed.)

Dave — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:34:01 +0000

Good Sense is a Thing all need, few have, and none think they want.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1746 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1746 ed.)

Dave — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:00:03 +0000

When the Well’s dry, we know the Worth of Water.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1746 ed.)
(Source)

Franklin, Benjamin -- Poor Richard (1747 ed.)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

A good Example is the best sermon.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) American statesman, scientist, philosopher, aphorist
Poor Richard (1747 ed.)
(Source)

See also Bacon (c. 1600), La Rochefoucauld (1665), Joubert (1850), Billings (1874), Twain (1897).