Benjamin Franklin

Electricity experiments, founding father

Early Modern influential 213 sayings

Sayings by Benjamin Franklin

Who dainties love, shall beggars prove.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.

1735 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Never spare the parson's wine, nor the baker's pudding.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The sleeping fox catches no poultry.

1734 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He that doth much at once, doth little well.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A good example is the best sermon.

1735 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

He that best understands the world, best understands his own business.

1741 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you would be lov'd, love.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest invention of the world is the invention of good bread.

1789 — Letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts!

1752 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be happy is not the purpose of our being, but to be useful.

1772 — Letter to Joseph Priestley
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.

1738 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.

1738 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

No gains without pains.

1745 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He that has a Trade, has an Estate.

1757 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you would have your business done, go; if not, send.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Hunger is the best sauce.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A fat kitchen, a lean will.

1733 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

By diligence and patience, the mouse ate through the cable.

1757 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Great talkers, little doers.

1734 — Poor Richard's Almanack
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable