Sometimes, the patience and the will to do what you must is non-existent. These 30 Benjamin Franklin quotes may help you get the inspiration you need to persist on your goals.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of America, was born on January 17, 1706. A polymath, he excelled in writing, painting, and science, to name a few. As a scientist, his discoveries and theories in electricity played an important role in the evolution of physics. Franklin was also an inventor credited for the origination of lightning rod and bifocals.
His adamant campaigning of colonial unity ultimately established him as an influential figure in politics. His devotion for this cause also earned him the title “The First American”. In his early 20s, he first became a successful editor and printer. In his later life, he founded and became the first president of what is now the University of Pennsylvania.
As the first US Ambassador to France, Franklin was well-liked among the French and his presence was a catalyst for the development of good Franco-American relations. He went on to serve as a Postmaster General during the American Revolution. In the mid-1780s, he became the governor of Pennsylvania.
His accomplishments in the fields of science and politics made him one of the most influential Founding Fathers. Over two centuries later, Franklin continues to be honored for his paramount contribution to what is now the United States of America.
These 30 Benjamin Franklin quotes reflect his views on life and being able to make a difference through learning, patience, and action.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin
There never was a good war or a bad peace. – Benjamin Franklin
He that can have patience can have what he will. – Benjamin Franklin
Never ruin an apology with an excuse. – Benjamin Franklin
Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn. – Benjamin Franklin
We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. – Benjamin Franklin
Fear not death for the sooner we die, the longer we shall be immortal. – Benjamin Franklin
Well done is better than well said. – Benjamin Franklin
Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none. – Benjamin Franklin
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin
Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults. – Benjamin Franklin
It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority. – Benjamin Franklin
If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed. – Benjamin Franklin
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. – Benjamin Franklin
The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. – Benjamin Franklin
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. – Benjamin Franklin
Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame. – Benjamin Franklin
The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read. – Benjamin Franklin
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. – Benjamin Franklin
Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five. – Benjamin Franklin
The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart. – Benjamin Franklin
When you’re testing to see how deep water is, never use two feet. – Benjamin Franklin
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. – Benjamin Franklin
Life biggest tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. – Benjamin Franklin
Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances. – Benjamin Franklin
Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. – Benjamin Franklin
In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria. – Benjamin Franklin
Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. – Benjamin Franklin
If a man could have half of his wishes, he would double his troubles. – Benjamin Franklin
The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason. – Benjamin Franklin
Share these 30 Benjamin Franklin quotes to encourage others to step up and be the best that they can be.