Quotations….by Benjamin Franklin
If Ben Franklin were alive today, he would be 302 years old. Sadly, he died on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84, having lived twice the 18th century life expectancy. Here was a man who gained international fame as an inventor, politician, and author of the magazine called Poor Richard’s Almanack. In this much read almanac Franklin inserted simple words of wisdom. These words have been passed down from one generation to another until today we find ourselves quoting them in our daily conversations. What father hasn’t told his children that “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”, that “A penny saved is a penny earned”, that “God helps those who help themselves” or “Honesty is the best policy”?
How many times have you heard someone say, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes”, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”, “Time is money” and (my favorite) “When in doubt, don’t”? These all came from the pen of Ben Franklin, truly a genius in his time; his words still ring true in our 21st Century. Here are other quotations worthy of remembering and passing along to another generation:
A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
A place for everything, and everything in its place. (My wife’s favorite)
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security
will deserve neither and lose both.
Applause waits on success.
Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.
Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.
Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.
Even peace may be purchased at too high a price.
Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.
Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?
It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation,
and only one bad one to lose it.
There was never a good war, or a bad peace.
Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.
In your amours you should prefer old women to young ones.
They are so grateful.
If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.