Quotes from Benjamin Franklin

Ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation to the prejudice and oppression of another is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy...An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy.

The first five chapters of the Autobiography were composed in England in 1771, continued in 1784-5, and again in 1788, at which date he brought it down to 1757. After a most extraordinary series of adventures, the original form of the manuscript was finally printed by Mr. John Bigelow, and is here reproduced in recognition of

I would advise you to read with a pen in your hand, and enter in a little book short hints of what you find .................for this will be the best method of imprinting such particulars in your memory, where they will be ready, on some future occasion ............................

For though our Saviour's Passion is over, his Compassion is not. That never fails his humble, sincere Disciples: In him, they find more than all that they lose in the World.

However, remember this: They that will not be counseled cannot be helped; and further that, If you will not hear Reason, she will surely rap your knuckles,

I hope...that all mankind will at length…have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats.

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He had been brought up to it from a boy, his father, as I have heard, accustoming his children to dispute with one another for his diversion, while sitting at table after dinner; but I think the practice was not wise; for, in the course of my observation, these disputing, contradicting, and confuting people are generally unfortunate in their affairs. They get victory sometimes, but they never get good will, which would be of more use to them.

The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise.

of your own or another's peace or reputation. HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

While lazienes travel so slowly that poverty overtakes him. Drive thy buisness let not drive thee and early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise

Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself, avoid trifling conversation.

vicious actions are not hurtful because they are forbidden, but forbidden because they are hurtful, the nature of man alone considered; that it was, therefore, every one's interest to be virtuous who wished to be happy even in this world;

no qualities were so likely to make a poor man's fortune as those of probity and integrity.

Fatigue is the best pillow.

I cannot boast of much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue, but I had a good deal with regard to the appearance of it.

Idle hands are the devil's playthings.

Write a book worth reading or live a life worth writing

My mind, through the merciful help of the Lord, hath been preserved in a good degree watchful and quiet, for which I have great cause to be thankful.

pleaded the usefulness of the work, mine convinced me that nothing was useful which was not honest.

240. If thou wouldest be Happy, bring thy Mind to thy Condition, and have an Indifferency for more than what is sufficient.

Lie down with dogs and you get up with fleas. One of the main characters in 'Nothing is Lost' says that. She probably didn't know that the source was Benjamin Franklin.

where there is more Sail than Ballast.

In all our cares about worldly treasures, let us steadily bear in mind that riches possessed by children who do not truly serve God are likely to prove snares that may more grievously entangle them in that spirit of selfishness and exaltation which stands in opposition to real peace and happiness, and renders those who submit to the influence of it enemies to the cross of Christ.