Author: Benjamin Franklin

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

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

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

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

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

I didn't fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.

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

I am in the prime of senility.

(1706 – 1790) American statesman, author, scientist & inventor
Age Memory Mind Old

One good husband is worth two good wives for the scarcer things are, the more they’re valued.

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

Why should I give my readers bad lines of my own when good ones of other people’s are so plenty?

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

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

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

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

I know not which lives more unnatural lives, obeying husbands, or commanding wives.

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

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

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

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

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

He’s a fool that makes his doctor his heir.

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

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.

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

Rich widows are the only secondhand goods that sell at first-class prices.

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

In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.

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

Learn of the skillful; he that teaches himself, has a fool for his master.

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

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

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

He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.

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

Creditors have better memories than debtors.

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

If your head is wax, don't walk in the sun.

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