"We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable" in a draft of the Declaration of Independence changes it instead into an assertion of rationality. The scientific mind of Franklin drew on the scientific determinism of Isaac Newton and the analytic empiricism of David Hume and Gottfried Leibniz. In what became known as "Hume's Fork" the latters' theory distinguished between synthetic truths that describe matters of fact, and analytic truths that are self-evident by virtue of reason and definition.

Take heed of the Vinegar of sweet Wine, and the Anger of Good-nature.

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

I guess I don't so much mind being old, as I mind being fat and old.

It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.

Cheese and salt meat, should be sparingly eat.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.