The Wisdom of Ben Franklin Applies Even Today

I’m not sure who you’d compare him with today because he was so many things and he did them so well. Ben Franklin was one of America’s founding fathers and signed the Declaration of Independence.  He was also an author, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, musician. He was expert chess player and he even was the country’s first Postmaster General. But his words of wisdom are amazing and they apply to this day.

• He that sows thorns, should never go barefoot.
• When a friend deals with a friend let the bargain be clear and well penne'd that they may continue friends to the end.
• Surround yourself with friends who share your values
• Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly.
• An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
• The doors of wisdom are never shut.
• Glass, china and reputation are easily cracked and never mended well.
• A spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar
• Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
• Little strokes fell great oaks
• The only things in this world that are certain are death and taxes.
• Success has ruined many a man
• Energy and persistence conquers all things
• God helps them that help themselves
• At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgement
• Plow deep, while sluggards sleep and you will have corn, to sell and to keep
• Love and be loved

He also had wisdom related to money and wealth:

• Time is money
• The accumulation of money is a means to an end
• Invest in yourself
• Understand the true value of things
• Don’t compromise your integrity for money
• Steady diligence is the way to wealth
• Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.

We mention Ben Franklin today because this is date in 1752 that Franklin flew a kite during a thunderstorm to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning. He originated the terms electrician and battery and invented the lightning rod that protected buildings and ships.