Looking for the best Benjamin Franklin quotes to inspire smarter, more practical living? This collection brings together his most insightful sayings, proving why Franklin remains one of America’s wisest Founding Fathers. From witty reflections on work and money to timeless advice on character and happiness, these best Benjamin Franklin quotes offer guidance that still rings true today. Whether you’re seeking motivation or a bit of old-fashioned wisdom, you’ll find plenty to reflect on here. Let these carefully selected quotes encourage thoughtful choices and a positive mindset, helping you apply Franklin’s practical genius to your everyday life.
On Wisdom & Learning
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“The doors of wisdom are never shut.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“He that can have patience can have what he will.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.”
— Benjamin Franklin
On Industry & Work
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Well done is better than well said.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Lost time is never found again.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Sloth makes all things difficult, but industry all things easy.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Trouble springs from idleness, and grievous toil from needless ease.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”
— Benjamin Franklin
On Wealth & Frugality
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“When you are finished changing, you are finished.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Creditors have better memories than debtors.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“The borrower is a slave to the lender.”
— Benjamin Franklin
On Character & Relationships
“Honesty is the best policy.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Glass, China, and Reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“To find out a girl’s faults, praise her to her girlfriends.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“A true friend is the best possession.”
— Benjamin Franklin
‘If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.’
— Benjamin Franklin
On Virtue & Life Philosophy
“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”
— Benjamin Franklin
‘Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.’
— Benjamin Franklin
“When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
— 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
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Motivation is when your dreams put on work clothes.”
— Benjamin Franklin
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
— Benjamin Franklin
We hope these top 50 Benjamin Franklin quotes inspire you to bring more wisdom, balance, and practical insight into your daily life. Franklin’s words remain just as relevant today, encouraging us to act with integrity, curiosity, and perseverance, no matter our challenges. Share your favorite quote from this collection with others—you never know who might need a spark of Franklin’s legendary practical wisdom today. Thanks for reading and living thoughtfully with the guidance of one of America’s greatest minds.
About Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was a renowned American statesman, inventor, publisher, and philosopher. Known for his wit and common sense, Franklin played a vital role in the founding of the United States and the shaping of American values. He authored “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” helped draft the Declaration of Independence, and fostered many civic advancements, from the creation of public libraries to postal improvements. A lifelong student of practical living, Franklin’s memorable sayings and sharp observations continue to motivate people toward self-improvement, civic responsibility, and a more thoughtful approach to everyday challenges.
