“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1735) Links discipline in small habits to lifelong success—a cornerstone of Franklin’s ethos of self-mastery.
“A penny saved is two pence clear.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1737) Original version of the famous “penny saved is a penny earned,” emphasizing thrift as foundational wealth-building.
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1735) A darkly humorous take on human fallibility and the futility of trusting others with sensitive information.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Attributed to Franklin Urges foresight and planning as antidotes to chaos—a mantra for personal and professional discipline.
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1746) Warns against taking resources (or relationships) for granted until they’re exhausted—a precursor to environmental wisdom.
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1736) Rejects blind fortune, framing success as the offspring of persistent effort.
“He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1733) Caustic advice on avoiding bad company, lest their flaws become your burdens.
“Lost time is never found again.” Poor Richard’s Almanack (1748) A proto-capitalist view of time as life’s most irreplaceable currency.
“A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.” Letter to Benjamin Vaughan (1785) Mocks self-absorption, advocating humility and outward focus as keys to growth.
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” Letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy (1789) Challenges complacency, urging a life of action or creation that leaves a legacy.