If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be, as Poor Richard says, “the greatest prodigality'; since, as he elsewhere tells us, 'Lost time is never found again'; and 'What we call time enough always proves little enough'. Let us then up and be doing, and doing to the purpose; so by diligence shall we do more with less perplexity.
Benjamin FranklinA slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over.
Benjamin FranklinI have heard that nothing gives an Author so great Pleasure, as to find his works respectfully quoted by other learned authors.
Benjamin FranklinThe man who does things makes mistakes, but he doesn't make the biggest mistake of all-doing nothing.
Benjamin FranklinSloth makes all things difficult, but industry all easy; and he that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him.
Benjamin FranklinBy improving yourself, the world is made better. Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.
Benjamin FranklinThe game of Chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind are to be acquired and strengthened by it, so as to become habits ready on all occasions, for life is a kind of chess.
Benjamin FranklinSome books we read, tho' few there are that hit the happy point where wisdom joins with wit.
Benjamin FranklinOh the wonderful knowledge to be found in the stars. Even the smallest things are written there ... if you had but skill to read.
Benjamin FranklinLet no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, no persuasion move thee, to do anything which thou knowest to be evil; so shalt thou always live jollity; for a good conscience is a continual Christmas.
Benjamin FranklinOn being asked what condition of man he considered the most pitiable: A lonesome man on a rainy day who does not know how to read.
Benjamin FranklinHow few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.
Benjamin FranklinIdleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and parliaments. If we can get rid of the former, we may easily bear the latter.
Benjamin FranklinFreedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature.
Benjamin FranklinHere you would know, and enjoy, what prosperity will way of Washington. For a thousand leagues have nearly the same effect with a thousand years.
Benjamin FranklinLet me resolve to be virtuous, that I may be happy, that I may please Him, who is delighted to see me happy. Amen.
Benjamin FranklinThey who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin FranklinOften I sit up in my room reading the greatest part of the night, when the book was borrowed in the evening and to be returned early in the morning, lest it should be missed or wanted.
Benjamin FranklinSloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears, while the used key is always bright.
Benjamin FranklinI think also, that general virtue is more probably to be expected and obtained from the education of youth, than from exhortations of adult persons; bad habits and vices of the mind being, like diseases of the body, more easily prevented than cured. I think moreover, that talents for the education of youth are the gift of God; and that he on whom they are bestowed, whenever a way is opened for use of them, is as strongly called as if he heard a voice from heaven.
Benjamin Franklin