Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) quotes, sayings, aphorisms. American politician, diplomat, journalist and writer, publisher and inventor, leader in the struggle for American independence.
“The first degree of madness is to consider oneself wise, the second is to talk about it, the third is to refuse advice.”
He who falls in love with himself has no rivals.
Sobriety puts firewood in the oven, meat in the pan, bread on the table, credit in the state, money in the head, contentment in the family.
What cannot be corrected should not be mourned!
If you want to know all the shortcomings of a girl, praise her in front of her friends.
“The best doctor is the one who knows the uselessness of most drugs.”
Keep your eyes wide open before the wedding and close them after.
The best is the cheapest
A generous person must have a few faults so as not to upset his friends.
If you want to have leisure, do not waste time.
There are three things that are extremely difficult to do: break steel, crush diamond and know yourself.
If you want to sleep soundly, take a clear conscience with you to bed.
The real tragedy of life is that one becomes old too early and wise too late. 
Don’t rush to choose friends, and even less so to change them.
Choose one friend slowly, and be even less in a hurry to change him.
Corona does not cure headaches.
I won't refuse to live my life again from beginning to end. I will only ask the rights enjoyed by the authors to correct the errors of the first in the second edition.
Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.
Idlers rarely visit a busy person; flies don’t fly to a boiling pot.
Nothing brings so much suffering as a lot of pleasure; nothing binds so much as unlimited freedom.
To be modest with superiors is a duty, with equals is good manners, and with subordinates is nobility.
Democracy is when two wolves and a lamb vote on the dinner menu. Freedom is when a well-armed lamb challenges the result of such a vote.
It is easier to suppress the first desire than to endure everything that follows it.
motivation is your dreams in “work clothes”.
If you do what you shouldn’t, endure what you don’t like.
Anyone who wants to live in peace and quiet should not say everything he knows and judge what he sees.
Since you are not sure of even one minute, do not waste even one hour.
In this world, nothing can be absolutely sure, except the inevitability of death and taxes.
The key that is used always shines. 
Labor is the father of happiness.
He who goes to bed early and gets up early becomes healthy, rich and wise.
Be polite to everyone, sociable to many, familiar to some.
Mine is better than ours.
There are three true friends: a smart book, an old dog and cash.
When you do good to others, you first do good to yourself.
You will have everything if you don’t worry about who will get the rewards for your achievements.
The master's eye will do more than both hands.
Beauty and stupidity are old comrades.
Before you consult your whim, consult your wallet.
Laziness, like rust, eats away faster than labor wears out.
Talents that go unused are like a sundial in the shadows.
(Don't hide your talents. They are given to you to use them. What is the use of a sundial in the shade?)
Tell me and I will forget, teach me and I can remember, involve me and I will learn.
Section topic: Thoughts of great people Benjamin Franklin: quotes, sayings, aphorisms.
State: USA
Field of activity: Policy
If we talk about US presidents and prominent political figures, several names immediately come to mind - those who have done a lot for the country. And Benjamin Franklin's name is in the front row. Let's take a closer look at what this man was like, how he achieved the recognition of citizens and why he is still remembered and loved.
early years
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. His father was an immigrant from Great Britain. This was natural - then the territory of the modern United States was a small British colony. The boy was born in Boston, which then belonged to the province of Massachusetts Bay (in our time these are the states of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire).
The family did not live well. The father was engaged in the production of soap and candles, but he passionately wanted his child to go to school, but there was not enough money for a full education. Therefore, young Benjamin tried to gain knowledge on his own - he read a lot, which later allowed him to become a famous writer. From the age of 12, he begins to help his older brother in the printing house. He really likes this activity, and Franklin chooses it as his profession.
Upon reaching the age of 21, Benjamin decides that he is already an adult (even by American standards), knows printing inside and out, so he needs to set off on his free voyage as soon as possible. He moves to Philadelphia and opens his own printing house there.
It must be admitted that this business quickly helped Franklin get rich. Soon he was already printing and publishing his own newspaper, then the government turned its attention to him and began ordering special brochures, as well as printing money.
In general, he was a very active person, he never sat still, he always tried to be on time everywhere. In 1728, Franklin gathered a circle of interests from artisans - in the future this circle would become known as the Philadelphia Philosophical Society.
But that's not all: he helped launch lending to the city's first public library, hospitals and college. In addition, he earned the title of scientist and experimenter, like the American one. Franklin studied electricity a lot - we note that he was one of the first to introduce the term “electric motor”.
He also paid great attention to a detailed study of the Gulf Stream - the Atlantic underwater current. Benjamin turned to him for the simple reason that sailing in those days was the only means of communication between England and its American colonies.
One day, Franklin carried out calculations and was surprised to discover that merchant ships departing from London to the city of New Port (near New York) arrived a couple of weeks faster than mail ships traveling from the port of Falmouth to the destination port of New York.
Everything turned out to be as simple as shelling pears: the English sailors in command of mail ships had no idea about the Gulf Stream, while the American commanders of merchant ships knew all its vagaries.
Franklin was the first to draw up a detailed map of the Gulf Stream so that all sailors, without exception, would take it with them on their journeys. The reader may wonder: why study the Gulf Stream at all? Didn't Mr. Franklin have other things to do?
Let us answer: this was his direct responsibility, since since 1737 he had served as postmaster of the state of Pennsylvania.
Then his powers expanded - Franklin began to manage the mail of all American colonies. That's why he was interested in the Gulf Stream, so that people waiting for letters from home or sending them would not wait too long.
The Prime of Benjamin
As mentioned above, Franklin was a local celebrity in Philadelphia, a highly respected and revered man. In 1751, he opened the Philadelphia Academy, which would soon become the basis of the University of Pennsylvania. Of course, such a person cannot help but be interested in the foreign policy of the state.
In the 1750s, he often traveled to London to resolve government issues. During this period, relations between the British crown and the colonies became strained. London understood that it was losing control over them and tried to tighten measures to regulate life on the American continent. Franklin spoke about this in Parliament, noting their illegality. This was especially true of the Stamp Act, which was passed in 1765. It consisted in the fact that all trade transactions, as well as the production of official documents and the sale of printed publications, were taxed in favor of the King of England. In London, they took this step to patch up the holes in the treasury, which was empty as a result of the latest military operations. What they got was anti-English sentiment and a readiness to revolt. Thousands of Americans took to the streets to demand the end of this tax. And Franklin successfully coped with this task - the Act was repealed the following year. But it was no longer possible to stop the uprisings against English rule.
In 1776, he was sent to France to achieve an agreement with America against England - the situation was already tense to the limit. Everyone understood that war was just around the corner. And young colonies need help, not only human, but also financial. This is why Benjamin went to France. The trip was successful, the contract was signed. France, England's longtime enemy, was happy to once again annoy its northern neighbor.
US Constitution and Declaration of Independence
It is impossible to imagine America today without these two documents. But until 1776 it existed without them. And they owe their appearance precisely to the founding fathers, among whom was Benjamin Franklin.
The Declaration was adopted at a meeting of the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. In it, America clearly stated that it was gaining independence from England. And also for the first time a new name of the state was spelled out there: the United States of America. At that time there were only 13 colonies, but all representatives were in favor.
The US Constitution was adopted after the war with Great Britain, in 1787. There were still the same number of colonies. And Franklin once again put his signature. Moreover, he was its co-author along with other prominent figures. Now it was possible to safely declare the appearance of a new country on the world map.
Benjamin Franklin - the president depicted on the most popular banknote
Benjamin was ambassador to France and spent a lot of time there during the war, concluding deals beneficial to the States. After returning to his homeland and signing the constitution in 1787, he became preoccupied with choosing the head of state - the president. The candidate was George Washington, who was elected in 1789, giving rise to a succession of American leaders.
Benjamin himself slowly retired from political affairs - he was already 83 years old. The age is quite respectable for those years. My health slowly began to deteriorate. In 1790, on April 17 at the age of 84, he died.
The funeral was attended by about 20 thousand people, which testified to unconditional respect for the deceased (the population of Boston at that time was about 30 thousand). Franklin left his fortune for the development of public projects in the city and state - the creation of a scientific museum, the organization of funds, and the payment of scholarships.
More than 200 years have passed since Franklin's death, but he remains one of the most famous and influential Americans. And the only public figure depicted on the $100 bill.
What makes a person a leader?
What makes a person successful?
What makes a person?
Intelligence? - Yes!
Passion? - Yes!
Force? - Yes!
Devotion? - Yes!
Charismatic? - Yes!
Perseverance? - Yes!
Perseverance? - Yes!
Generosity? - Yes!
The ability to forgive? - Yes!
Franklin had all these qualities, which is why he is one of the greatest minds not only in America, but in the whole world. He seems to be the embodiment and personification of his people. Many were perplexed how the son of a simple artisan who made candles was able to master so much knowledge and become a Master in many branches of human knowledge. His example proves that anyone can achieve success.
Franklin is probably the most talented person in American history. His achievements are so varied and numerous that it is impossible to even list them all: he was one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Founded the first public library in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and the American Philosophical Society. Called for the abolition of slavery. He was America's ambassador to France. As a natural scientist, he is known for his works on electricity. He made many inventions, such as the lightning rod and bifocal glasses.
Having earned enough, he retired at the age of 42. This allowed him to work for the soul and the opportunity to invent, implement his ideas and revolutionary projects. He also successfully published and sold Poor Richard's Almanac with lots of helpful content on health and fitness, nutrition and success.
Here are the lessons from Franklin's School of Life:
Lesson 1. Franklin said: "There is no achievement without pain".
Why is he right? Physical training causes microscopic “tears” in the muscles. Muscles grow larger and stronger while you rest. So pain is a likely result of these “tears” and muscle inflammation. But you must know the difference between good pain and bad pain. If you feel after your workout that the pain is “bad,” then stop exercising for 2 days. If the pain continues, consult a doctor.
Lesson 2. Franklin said: “The best doctor is the one who knows that most drugs are useless.”.
Why is he right? Beware of a doctor who is “fascinated” with antibiotics. According to research Vincenza Snow, 75% of all antibiotics prescribed for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections are unnecessary. Doctors often give in to patients' demands, are pressed for time, and are confused about when antibiotics are actually needed.
Lesson 3. Franklin said: “Going to bed early and rising early makes a person healthy, rich and wise.”(in Rus' they say: “He who gets up early, God gives him” - V.S.).
Why is he right? Researchers from University of California/San Diego School of Medicine found that getting up early raises luteinizing hormone levels ( L.H.) by 70%. LH is involved in the production of testosterone, a hormone that helps build fat-free muscles and improve your mood.
Lesson 4. Franklin said: “There cannot be a good life where there is no good drink”(as they say in Rus': “Because without water there is neither here nor there” – V.S. ).
Why is he right? Drinking water is a very important factor in health and life! Our body, all systems of our body depend on water and work better if we drink good and clean water.
Lesson 5. Franklin said: “Don't say bad things, but say good things about everyone you know.” And “Any fool can criticize, judge and complain, and most fools do just that.”.
Why is he right? Nobody likes criticism. Criticism causes negative feelings of tension, resentment and humiliation. When communicating with people, we must take into account that every person has a sense of pride and is full of various prejudices and vanity.
Lesson 6. Franklin said: “Let your eyes be wide open before marriage, and half closed afterwards.”.
Why is he right? Premarital discussion of issues related to money, children, sex, religion can help young couples in their future family life, says Ph.D. Al Cooper. In marriage, accept her/his individual characteristics and live in harmony. Don't notice or criticize her/his annoying habits.
Lesson 7. Franklin said: “Start the meeting with wine, but end with water.”.
Why is he right? It has become fashionable to brainstorm with beer when solving a difficult problem. “Alcohol first weakens inhibitions and removes conventions. Relaxing inhibitions is the best stimulus for creativity,” says Morris Chafetz, the president Health Education Foundation. But you need to review the cocktail napkins (napkins with notes) the next day to see what will actually work.
Lesson 8. Franklin said: "A full stomach makes the brain stupid"(in Rus' they say: “A full belly is deaf to learning” – V.S. ).
Why is he right? A stomach overloaded with food needs stomach acid to digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and it changes pH blood and temporary brain dullness occurs, says Philip Miner, MD from Oklahoma Foundation for Digestive Research.
Lesson 9. Franklin said: "Time - ".
Why is he right? Mathematical formula derived Ian Walker, professor of economics Central England's Warwick University, shows that time is real. He claims to be able to visually show people how their time is affected by any task they perform - from lying in bed late in the morning and cooking - to sleeping or working.
Many people die at 25 and only reach the grave at 75.
Benjamin Franklin
Almost all of us have heard something about the famous politician, scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin.
To better illustrate his invaluable contribution to history, let us turn to his achievements. Benjamin Franklin:
- Invented a lightning rod;
- Invented bifocal glasses;
- Invented the Franklin stove;
- Made many outstanding discoveries in the field of electricity;
- Created the first detailed map of the Gulf Stream;
- Founded the first public library in the United States;
- Founded the Philadelphia Academy;
- Participated in the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution;
- And at the same time he was actively involved in publishing activities.
Impressive list of achievements, isn't it?
By now you're probably asking yourself, how could one person achieve so much? It's all about the right attitude. Benjamin Franklin knew the importance of discipline, and he succeeded in many ways because of it.
He proved by his example that a person is capable of independently developing habits that will help him achieve significant success. When reading about his life, a quote from the legendary thinker comes to mind:
We are what we do all the time. Perfection, therefore, is not an action, but a habit.
Aristotle
Here are some of the most valuable lessons we can learn from the life of Benjamin Franklin. They will be useful to each of us.
1. Time is the scarcest resource
Lost time is never found again.
Benjamin Franklin understood very well how important time is. We all have different skills, talents and capabilities. But we also all have the same amount of time - 24 hours in a day. What matters is not how much time we have, but how effectively we allocate it. Time is our most scarce resource, and we must learn to use it wisely.
Do you love life? Then don't waste time; for time is the fabric of which life is made.
Benjamin Franklin
When people realize that they have little time, they begin to value it and spend it rationally - to achieve the most important goals.
Realizing that time is really short is a good start. Coming up with a way to effectively use your time is another matter. Franklin understood this well. So he developed a system that helped him use his time most efficiently.
2. Thirteen virtues
Benjamin Franklin always thought about what kind of person he wanted to become. Eventually, he was able to formulate a clear goal: he wanted to become “moral perfection.” This idea came to Benjamin at the age of 20. In order to achieve his goal, he created a list of 13 virtues.
- Temperance. Eat not to the point of satiety, drink not to the point of intoxication.
- Silence. Speak only what can benefit you or others; avoid empty talk.
- Love of order. Let each of your things have its own place; Let there be time for every task you do.
- Determination. Decide to do what you must; and carry out what you decide unswervingly.
- Thrift. Allow yourself only those expenses that will benefit others or yourself; don't waste anything.
- Hard work. Don't waste time; always be busy with something useful; cancel all unnecessary activities.
- Sincerity. Do not resort to harmful deception: let your thoughts be innocent and fair; and if you speak, then let the words be the same.
- Justice. Never offend people by causing them harm or not doing good, as your duty dictates.
- Moderation. Avoid extremes; Don’t hold a grudge for the harm done to you, even if you think it deserves it.
- Cleanliness. Do not allow the slightest dirt on yourself, in your clothes, or in your home.
- Calm. Don't worry about trifles, about minor or inevitable incidents.
- Chastity. Indulge in lust rarely, only for health or to prolong the family line; do not allow it to lead to dullness or weakness, or to deprive you of peace of mind or cast a shadow on your or anyone else’s good name.
- Meekness. Follow the example of Jesus and Socrates.
Impressive list of virtues, isn't it? But Franklin didn't stop there.
He developed a system that helped him make these virtues part of his daily life. It was based on a 13-week plan that helped him stay focused on what was important right now.
Since Franklin's main goal was to make these virtues habitual, he decided to devote one week to each of them. And only after this time has passed, move on to the next virtue.
The daily struggle is to stay focused on what really matters.
Like many of us, Benjamin Franklin had great difficulty concentrating.
This is actually difficult, especially when before going to bed we fall asleep with the thought that tomorrow we will have to complete many tasks that will distract us from the main goal. Neither did the pressure from other people and our own conflicting priorities change.
To stay focused, Benjamin Franklin kept a notebook of 13 pages, one for each virtue. He lined each page so that there were seven columns (seven days of the week). Then he drew 13 horizontal lines (13 virtues) .
Temperance. Eat not to the point of satiety, drink not to the point of intoxication.
Franklin knew that he could not master all 13 virtues at once. As mentioned above, he decided to devote one week to each of them. Franklin believed that if he focused on one virtue, it would quickly become a habit. After that, he planned to move on to another virtue, the next week to the next, and so on until he had mastered them all.
During the first week, Franklin's main focus was on one virtue; other virtues were left to chance; he only marked every evening with a black circle the mistakes made during the day.
There are three things that are extremely difficult to do: break steel, crush diamond and know yourself.
Benjamin Franklin
This way, he could work on himself, improve himself and make fewer and fewer mistakes every day, becoming better every year.
3. Plan your every day
Franklin knew how important it was to do the right thing at the right time. To succeed in this, he always planned his day clearly.
Having a daily schedule gave him structure in everything he did, allowing him to focus on what was truly important.
Let all things be in their place; let every task have its own time.
Benjamin Franklin
Below is an example of Benjamin Franklin's schedule ↓
Benjamin Franklin's Daily Schedule If you plan every day, then you can focus on what really matters to you. And do the right things at the right time.
Such a schedule will help you plan your entire day: you will be sure that you will not forget anything and will have time for everything.
Benjamin included everything that was important to him in his schedule. When you prepare your own schedule, remember that you need to include not only work, but also your personal affairs.
4. Wake up early
Every minute you spend organizing your activities saves you an entire hour.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin knew how important it was to be an organized person.
It's no secret that if we come to work and don't structure all the tasks that face us, we will quickly get bogged down in the numerous little things that fall on us every day.
We will be nervous and rush between different tasks, not knowing what to give preference to. Being in this mode every day, we get lost, forget about it, and, as a result, do not do what we need. If we don't do anything to get rid of our disorganization, we will soon be overwhelmed by days, weeks, months and even years without progress.
Anyone who gets up late has to run all day long in order to barely complete all their work by nightfall.
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin got up every day at 5 a.m. to set his plans for the day. Every morning he asked himself the same question: “ What should I do today?«.
He woke up, had breakfast, planned his day, and by 8 am he was ready to get down to business.
This was his morning habit. In many ways, perhaps routine. But it was very important because it allowed him to focus on the main goal.
Thanks to this habit, Franklin had a 3-hour head start on the others. What you do from the moment you wake up to the moment you start working matters a lot. The outcome of your entire day may depend on it.
5. What good have I done this day?
Early to bed and early to rise is what makes a person healthy, rich and smart.
Benjamin Franklin
The end of the day is a time when you can evaluate everything you have done today. You can notice your progress and praise yourself for your success, or, conversely, understand that you still have to work hard to achieve your goal.
Benjamin Franklin asked himself every night, “What good have I done today?” This was an important step towards his goal, which, as we remember, was to achieve moral perfection.
The life of Benjamin Franklin is a shining example of the fact that you can achieve what you want if you constantly and purposefully strive for it. This man managed to change not only his life, but also the lives of many people.
The image of Benjamin Franklin is indelibly imprinted not only on the American psyche, but also on the largest currency made by the US Treasury, the $100. It would be difficult to choose a more suitable Founding Father to feature on this banknote. Because Franklin is one of America's most famous statesmen, scientist, philosopher, writer, businessman and free thinker.
Few people know, but Benjamin was also the founder and owner of the printing house. It was this entrepreneurial spirit that allowed him to not only become rich, but also serve his community and create a better world for future generations.
This article presents selected quotes and aphorisms from Benjamin Franklin that everyone should read.
Early age
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
- “Investing in knowledge always gives the best return.”
- “Being poor is not a shame, but you should be ashamed of it.”
- “Anyone who believes that money can do anything can be suspected of doing anything for the sake of money.”
- “It’s better to go to bed without dinner than to wake up in debt.”
- “If you have things to do tomorrow, do them today.”
- “Negligence does more harm than lack of knowledge.”
- “Laziness moves so slowly that poverty will soon overtake it.”
Benjamin Franklin: Quotes about Jews
At the time, Franklin was already an elder statesman. He showed worthy courage in warning his political “fellows” about the Jews. It was even included in the Constitutional Convention of 1789 and called the “miracle of prophecy.”
Let's look at some quotes about Jews:
“The Jews are a menace to this country and their entry must be prohibited by this Constitution.”
“I completely agree with General Washington that we must protect our young nation from the insidious influence of the Jews.”
- “For more than 1,700 years, Jews have been mourning their sad fate, which is that they were expelled from their homeland - Palestine. But they immediately found convincing reasons not to return there. Why? Because they are vampires, and vampires don’t live among themselves.”
“If you do not exclude them, in less than 200 years our descendants will be working in the fields to provide them (the Jews) with a means of subsistence, while they will be in counting houses, rubbing their hands.”
Selected wise sayings
“The symbol of the Renaissance in America,” this is how Benjamin Franklin was called, whose quotes are so wise and insightful that they remain popular today:
“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to happiness. You have to catch it yourself."
“The tragedy of life is that we get old too early and wisdom too late.”
- “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage and half closed after it.”
- “God helps those who help themselves.”
- “If a person goes to bed early and gets up early, he will be healthy, rich and wise.”
“After all, marriage is the natural state of man. A bachelor is not a full-fledged person. He is like the odd half of a pair of scissors."
- “Eat to please yourself, and dress to please others.”
- “Reverence for God is a duty. Listening to and reading sermons can be helpful.”
Autobiographical Quotes
Throughout his long life, Benjamin Franklin, whose quotes are very popular today, never despaired and achieved his goals. Thanks to the fact that he served freely for the benefit of his people, he always achieved success and was a happy person. And some of the secrets of a fulfilling life lie in his aphorisms:
“Reading was the only entertainment I allowed myself.”
“Perhaps there are no other natural passions that are more difficult to suppress than pride.”
- “Let your things have their places, let every part of your business have its time.”
- “Do not use harmful deception, think decently and fairly.”
- “Only virtuous people are capable of freedom.”
- “I grew up with the opinion that truth, sincerity and honesty in human-human relationships are of the utmost importance to bliss in life.”
- “One of my employees at the publishing house drank all the time, and the other only drank when he had completed all the work.”
And in conclusion, it is worth adding: Benjamin Franklin (whose quote about money became world famous) lived his life in the spirit of He was deeply interested in what was happening around him. He excelled in several different areas of human activity. Had a huge influence on the development of electricity and the forms of speech we still use today.
