When the members of the Second Continental Congress affixed their signatures to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, Benjamin Franklin was already 70 years old. At a station in life where most men of his means would relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor, Ben Franklin was a firebrand for liberty, a revolutionary and lest we forget he was also an abolitionist. Our founding fathers were blessed to have Ben Franklin in their midst, his wit and wisdom still resonate and inspire us today.
As we mark the day he was born 305 years ago, here are a few of my favorite Ben Franklin sayings that are more poignant than ever these days. He that lives upon hope will die fasting.
All human situations have their inconveniences. We feel those of the present, but neither see nor feel those of the future; and hence we often make troublesome changes without amendment, and frequently for the worse
It’s common for men to give pretended reasons instead of one real one.
He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
Well done is better than well said.
Tim was so learned, that he could name a horse in nine languages. So ignorant, that be bought a cow to ride on.
Love your neighbor; yet don’t pull down your hedge.
He that would fish, must venture his bait.
We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.
The cat in gloves catches no mice.
And last, but certainly not least.
If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worthy reading, or do things worth the writing.
Ben Franklin accomplished both. How will today's leaders be remembered?
January 17, 2010
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