Author: Benjamin Franklin

A flatterer never seems absurd: the flatter’d always takes his word.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Characteristics

Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain… and most fools do.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Communication Fools Intelligence

Never argue with a man who buys his ink by the barrel.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Communication Situations

A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Education Fools Intelligence Stupidity

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Alcohol Beer Emotions Food/Drink God Happiness

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

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Intelligence Stupidity

Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Doctors Health People

There are three faithful friends, an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Dogs Friends Money People Wives

He was so learned that he could name a horse in nine languages; so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Animals Intelligence Stupidity Wisdom

We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Death Life

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Communication Reading/Writing

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Intelligence Memory

Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Characteristics

Marry your son when you will, but your daughter when you can.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Family Marriage Relationships

Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half-shut afterwards.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Marriage

A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Animals Government Law Lawyers People

In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Death Taxes

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

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Problems

To find out a girl’s faults, praise her to her girl friends.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Characteristics Friends Old People Women

Love thy neighbor… but don't pull down your hedge.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Emotions

The first mistake in public business is going into it.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Work