Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. His contributions to science, literature, and politics have left an enduring impact on American history. In this post, we share inspirational Benjamin Franklin quotes that you can use each day.

Early Life

Born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin was a polymath in every sense of the word. His remarkable life spanned numerous roles, including scientist, inventor, writer, statesman, and diplomat.

As a young man, Franklin apprenticed in his brother’s printing shop where he honed his skills as a writer. He published articles under the pseudonym “Silence Dogood” in his brother’s newspaper. And his wit and literary talent quickly became evident.

Eventually, Franklin desired to escape his brother’s influence. So at the age of 17, he ran away to Philadelphia, where he began his journey to becoming a self-made man.

His Early Life as a Printer

In Philadelphia, Franklin worked in the printing trade, eventually establishing his own printing business. He gained recognition for his almanac, “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” which contained practical advice, proverbs, and weather predictions.

The publication became immensely popular. It further solidified Franklin’s reputation as a skilled and insightful writer.

Scientific Achievements

Franklin’s scientific achievements are equally significant. His experiments with electricity contributed to the understanding of electrical phenomena.

Many are familiar with his famous kite experiment in 1752, where he “discovered electricity!” He coined the terms “positive” and “negative” to describe electrical charges. He also proposed the concept of electric currents.

Franklin’s Role in American Politics

In addition to his work in science and writing, Franklin played a pivotal role in American politics.

He was a delegate to the Continental Congress and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His diplomatic skills were also crucial during the American Revolution. Indeed, he played a key role in securing French support for the American cause.

Franklin, along with John Adams and John Jay, also negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1783. It was this agreement which ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States as an independent nation.

Global Influence

Franklin’s influence extended beyond the borders of the newly formed nation.

He served as the United States Minister to France from 1776 to 1785, where he enjoyed popularity and admiration for his wit and intellect. His diplomatic efforts were crucial in fostering strong relations between the United States and France.

As he aged, Franklin continued to be an influential figure in the development of the United States. He was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It was here where he lent his wisdom to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

His final public act was writing an anti-slavery treatise shortly before his death in 1790.

The Legacy of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin’s legacy is multifaceted. Today, he is celebrated in many ways — as a scientist for his contributions to electricity, as a writer for his wit and wisdom, and as a statesman for his role in the founding of the United States.

His aphorisms, such as “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” continue to be quoted today.

Franklin’s impact on the American Enlightenment and his enduring influence on the nation’s values make him an iconic figure in American history.

Famous Benjamin Franklin Quotes

Below, we share several practical Benjamin Franklin quotes made throughout his distinguished career. We hope these will be a source of inspiration and courage in your life.

“Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle.”

“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

“Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”

“Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing.”

“When you are finished changing, you’re finished.”

“Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I may remember; involve me, and I learn.”

“A new truth is truth and old error is an error.”

“Fear not death for the sooner we die, the longer we shall be immortal.”

“When you’re testing to see how deep water is, never use two feet.”

“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.”

“We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”

“Lost time is never found again.”

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

“Being ignorant is not so much a shame as being unwilling to learn.”

“You may delay, But time will not.”

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place but, far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”

“The only thing that is more expensive than education is ignorance.”

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

“Hide not your talents, they for use were made.”

“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

“Tis a great confidence in a friend to tell him your faults; greater to tell him his.”

“It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

“He that can have patience can have what he will.”

“Well done is better than well said.”

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

“Honesty is the best policy.”

“Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead.”

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen.  Keep in the sunlight.”

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Benjamin Franklin Quotes – Final Words

As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was a polymath who made an immeasurable impact to society. His contributions to science, literature, and politics have left an enduring impact on American history.

We hope you enjoyed these Benjamin Franklin quotes. Check out our site for more sources of inspiration.