Benjamin Franklin Quotes

"If you would be loved, love and be lovable." — Benjamin Franklin
As quoted in A Dictionary of American proverbs (1992), pg. 662 Originally written in Franklin's yearly foray into proverbs, in a work he titled "Poor Richard's Almanack." The Almanack itself was famous for weather forecasts, bits of wisdom, and wordplay. Add Category or Author

"The way to see by Faith is to shut the Eye of Reason." — Benjamin Franklin
Poor Richard's Almanack (July, 1758) pg. 189 The quote continues, "The Morning Daylight appears plainer when you put out your Candle." Add Category or Author

"If you want something done, ask a busy person." — Benjamin Franklin
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"Men take more pains to mask than to mend." — Benjamin Franklin
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"There never was a good war or a bad peace." — Benjamin Franklin
Written in a Letter to Josiah Quincy (11 September 1783) Add Category or Author

"There are no gains without pains." — Benjamin Franklin
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"God helps them that help themselves." — Benjamin Franklin
This proverb, definitely spoken by Benjamin Franklin, yes, but also by others much farther back in history. As a proverb, it is extremely hard to trace it's first usage, but is much older than Franklin himself, who did popularize it somewhat for the United States. Add Category or Author

"Time is money." — Benjamin Franklin
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"Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today." — Benjamin Franklin
As quoted in Curiosities in proverbs, (1916) pg. 130 This adage was stated by Franklin, but has been expressed many times over the centuries by many different peoples and cultures. Add Category or Author

"Early to Bed, and Early to Rise, Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. " — Benjamin Franklin
Early to Bed, and Early to Rise, Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise, Or, Early Rising, a Natural, Social, and Religious Duty (1855) Franklin often published proverbs and adages--this one was actually the title of one of his works. Add Category or Author

"Love your Neighbour; yet don't pull down your Hedge." — Benjamin Franklin
As quoted in Early American proverbs and proverbial phrases, (1977) pg. 309 A purveyor of proverbs, Franklin wasn't the first to express this sentiment, but he assuredly popularized it. Add Category or Author

"Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight." — Benjamin Franklin
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"He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing." — Benjamin Franklin
Early American proverbs and proverbial phrases (1977) pg. 42 The above quote was a proverbial phrase and was probably not coined directly by Franklin. Add Category or Author

"Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes." — Benjamin Franklin
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"There are three faithful friends - an old wife, an old dog, and ready money." — Benjamin Franklin
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"A true friend is the best possession." — Benjamin Franklin
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"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." — Benjamin Franklin
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"Beware of the young doctor and the old barber" — Benjamin Franklin
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"Wars are not paid for in wartime, the bill comes later." — Benjamin Franklin
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"He that steals the old man's supper, do's him no wrong." — Benjamin Franklin
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"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead." — Benjamin Franklin
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