Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents: scientist, inventor, statesman, writer, political philosopher, and Founding Father. His greatest financial success, however, came from printing and publishing, most notably the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanac.
The latter was first published in 1732, with a new edition printed every year until 1758. It became one of the most widely read secular pamphlets in colonial America, selling around 10,000 copies annually. It was so popular, in fact, that Napoleon Bonaparte had it translated into Italian.
Franklin wrote Poor Richard's Almanac under the pseudonym of Poor Richard, or Richard Saunders, a name he borrowed from the author of a popular almanac published in London. Franklin’s almanac contained all sorts of information, including the calendar, weather predictions, poems, recipes, and trivia. But it was most famous for its witty aphorisms and practical proverbs that covered a range of subjects, from industry and frugality to hard work and the pleasures of a simple life.
Franklin considered his almanac as literature for the masses, suitable for common people who couldn’t necessarily afford books. The sayings ranged from serious to cynical to funny (“Fish and visitors stink in three days”) but generally offered some kind of practical or moral instruction. Some of the aphorisms, such as “No gains without pains” and “Haste makes waste,” were already in existence before Franklin included them in his almanac — but he certainly helped solidify such expressions in American vernacular.
Hundreds of sayings were published in Poor Richard's Almanac over the years. Some, especially those related to colonial financial dealings, make little sense to the modern reader. Others, however, such as the 20 quotes below, remain just as relevant now as they did back then.
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better man.Benjamin Franklin
Diligence is the mother of good luck.Benjamin Franklin
Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.Benjamin Franklin
He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows or judge all he sees.Benjamin Franklin
Great beauty, great strength, and great riches are really and truly of no great use; a right heart exceeds all.Benjamin Franklin
He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.Benjamin Franklin
The sting of a reproach, is the truth of it.Benjamin Franklin
Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man.Benjamin Franklin
Beware of little expenses: A small leak will sink a great ship.Benjamin Franklin
Hide not your talents, they for use were made: What’s a sun-dial in the shade?Benjamin Franklin
Do you love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.Benjamin Franklin
Well done is better than well said.Benjamin Franklin
Glass, china, and reputation, are easily crack’d, and never well mended.Benjamin Franklin
He that lies down with Dogs, shall rise up with fleas.Benjamin Franklin
Genius without education is like silver in the mine.Benjamin Franklin
If man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.Benjamin Franklin
The poor have little, beggars none, the rich too much, enough not one.Benjamin Franklin
Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.Benjamin Franklin
A true friend is the best possession.Benjamin Franklin
Wish not so much to live long as to live well.Benjamin Franklin
Featured image credit: Wim Wiskerke/ Alamy Stock Photo
