178 quotes
The good particular men may do separately, in relieving the sick, is small, compared with what they may do collectively.
The Way to ſee by Faith is to ſhut the Eye of Reaſon: The Morning Daylight appears plainer when you put out your Candle.
Poor Richard's Almanack (1733)
The Sun never repents of the good he does, nor does he ever demand a recompence.
Poor Richard's Almanack (1735)
Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor Liberty to purchase power.
the Poor Richard's Almanack (1738)
Human Felicity is produc'd not so much by great Pieces of good Fortune that seldom happen, as by little Advantages that occur every Day.
The Autobiography (1818)
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
Thus may the first Principles of sound Politics be fixed in the minds of youth.
Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth in Pensilvania (1749)
If you would keep your Secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.
Up, Sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough.
A lady asked Franklin: "Well, Doctor, what have we got—a Republic or a Monarchy?". Franklin replied: "A Republic, if you can keep it."
The people heard it, and approved the doctrine, and immediately practiced the contrary.
If your Riches are yours, why don't you take them with you to t'other world?
Poor Richard (1751)
Where there's marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.
Poor Richard (1734)
The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.
If a man could half his wishes he would double his Troubles.
Poor Richard (1752)
None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.
Many have been ruined by buying good Pennyworths.
Poor Richard's Almanac. Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922)
If you would be loved, love and be lovable.
Poor Richard (1755)
There never was a good war or a bad peace.
He that lives upon Hope will die fasting.
Poor Richard's Almanack (1758)
Geese are but Geese tho' we may think 'em Swans; and Truth will be Truth tho' it sometimes prove mortifying and distasteful.