WIST Quotations

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 (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)

Sowell, Thomas -- “Student Loans,” Is Reality Optional? (1993)

Dave — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 22:47:29 +0000

The first lesson of economics is scarcity: there is never enough of anything to fully satisfy all those who want it. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics.

Thomas Sowell (b. 1930) American economist and political commentator
“Student Loans,” Is Reality Optional? (1993)
(Source)

Johnson, Samuel -- The Rambler, #136 (6 Jul 1751)

Dave — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:21:37 +0000

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value only to its scarcity.

Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English writer, lexicographer, critic
The Rambler, #136 (6 Jul 1751)
(Source)