Benjamin Franklin Quotes

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.

I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.

Hast thou virtue? acquire also the graces and beauties of virtue.

Liberality is not giving much, but giving wisely.

Those who prefer security to liberty deserve neither.

At a great pennyworth pause a while.

Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your purse open.

What you would seem to be, be really.

Gaining money by my industry and frugality, I lived very agreeably. . . .

A traveller should have a hog's nose, a deer's legs, and an ass's back.

It is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel.

If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.

It is very imprudent to deprive America of any of her privileges. If her commerce and friendship are of any importance to you, they are to be had on no other terms than leaving her in the full enjoyment of her rights.

A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.

He's gone, and forgot nothing but to say farewell to his creditors

If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.

Leisure is the time for doing something useful. This leisure the diligent person will obtain the lazy one never.

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

Let every fart count as a peal of thunder for liberty. Let every fart remind the nation of how much it has let pass out of its control. It is a small gesture, but one that can be very effective - especially in a large crowd. So fart, and if you must, fart often. But always fart without apology. Fart for freedom, fart for liberty - and fart proudly.

An Egg to day is better than a Hen to-morrow.

Indeed, when religious people quarrel about religion, or hungry people quarrel about victuals, it looks as if they had not much of either among them.

And where is the Prince who can afford to so cover his country with troops for its defense, as that ten thousand men descending from the clouds, might not in many places do an infinite deal of mischief, before a force could be brought together to repel them?

History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion, from its usefulness to the public; the advantage of a religious character among private persons; the mischiefs of superstition, and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern.

He was so learned that he could name a horse in nine languages; so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on.

Rather go to bed with out dinner than to rise in debt.

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. When it comes to investing, nothing will pay off more than educating yourself. Do the necessary research, study and analysis before making any investment decisions.

People want to catch a buzz. That is why drugs are illegal, yet people still try to get their hands on them no matter what the consequence. Drugs make us happy, they may not be healthy.

The pleasures of this world are rather from God's goodness than our own merit.

It is the duty of mankind on all suitable occasions to acknowledge their dependence on the Divine Being.

The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy.

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

It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.

Common sense without education, is better than education without common sense.

Presumption first blinds a man, then sets him a running.

What can laws do without morals?

Observe all men, thyself most.

The only time a question should be asked is when all other possibilities of finding the answer for yourself have been eliminated.

Joy doesn't exist in the world, it exists in us.

She laughs at everything you say. Why? Because she has fine teeth.

Are you angry that others disappoint you? Remember you cannot depend upon yourself.

An assembly of great men is the greatest fool upon earth.

Human happiness comes not from infrequent pieces of good fortune, but from the small improvements to daily life.

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

We must not in the course of public life expect immediate approbation and immediate grateful acknowledgment of our services. But let us persevere through abuse and even injury. The internal satisfaction of a good conscience is always present, and time will do us justice in the minds of the people, even those at present the most prejudiced against us.

Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

He that drinks his Cyder alone, let him catch his Horse alone.

A nod from a lord is a breakfast for a fool.

Don't judge men's wealth or godliness by their Sunday appearance.