Benjamin Franklin

I would rather have it said, ‘He lived usefully,’ than, ‘He died rich.’

Benjamin Franklin

I’d rather be a pessimist because then I can only be pleasantly surprised.

Benjamin Franklin

I’ve striven my whole life for humility, but if I’d ever achieved it, I’d probably be pretty damn proud of that.

Benjamin Franklin

Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than kings and parliaments. If we can get rid of the former, we may easily bear the latter.

Benjamin Franklin

If a man could have half of his wishes, he would double his troubles.

Benjamin Franklin

If all but myself were blind, I should want neither a fine house nor fine furniture.

Benjamin Franklin

If any form of government is capable of making a nation happy, ours I think bids fair now for producing that effect. But after all much depends upon the people who are governed.

Benjamin Franklin

If any man flatters me, I’ll flatter him again; tho’ he were my best friend.

Benjamin Franklin

If anyone should doubt whether the electrical matter passes through the substance of bodies, or only over along their surfaces, a shock from an electrified large glass jar, taken through his own body, will probably convince him.

Benjamin Franklin

If it were said that he who cannot deny himself anything he inclines to, though he knows it will be to his hurt, has not the virtue of resolution or fortitude, it would be intelligible enough; but, as it stands, it seems obscure or erroneous.

Benjamin Franklin