Benjamin Franklin - "The First American"

Benjamin Franklin is considered to be the most accomplished American of his age. A leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and a diplomat. Name a job and Franklin has probably mastered it.

“A jack of all trades is a master of none”?
Nope! That’s not what Benjamin Franklin believed. He was the master of whatever he did. He earned the prestigious title, “The First American”, because of his immense contribution to the establishment of the United States of America.

Out of everything he did, be it some breakthrough made in Science or his inputs to the political revolution, the one thing that stood out loud were his words. So, here are some words of wisdom from one of the founding fathers of the United States.

The words to live by, from the first American, Benjamin Franklin

(And I must be honest, it was hard to select just a few! since every word spoken by this man is as true as the mirror)

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

The most surprising fact about America’s most brilliant man who practically changed the world and the education field is that he had the formal education for just 2 years. Perhaps, he knew that education or learning doesn’t only happen inside the classroom; it can happen outside the classroom as well.

“He that can have patience can have what he will.”

The most important element in the recipe of success is not the obvious talent and hard work, but patience. Because, it won’t happen easily and one must have the patience to keep trying again and again. Benjamin Franklin figured that out!

“A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned”

It’s self-explanatory! Plus, unless you’re the god of wealth, Bill Gates, or Jeff Bezos, money is never enough. So, why not save it rather than waste it?

“Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.”

This one points out to the sad reality. Many people have dreams they want to accomplish. But due to society, other problems, or the lack of self-belief, they give up on those dreams. To them, their dreams seem impossible or too good to be true. They then lead a life which gives them money, but not the joy or job satisfaction.

Benjamin wrote this in the 18th Century and it is still so apt! Surprising, huh?

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

This one is my personal favorite! There are three types of people in the world. The first type is the one who writes stories, while the second type is the one on whom the writers write stories. As for the third, they just survive to read. So, which one do you want to be?

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

We all are aware of how important planning and preparations are. This perhaps sums it up in the best possible way!

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Again, the importance of education. But, one must not confuse it with the formal education since the man who said it himself didn’t get a proper one. The education he is talking about here is the one that has no age.

“You may delay, but time will not.”

Procastigation is probably one of the most common and fatal diseases from which we all suffer. The earlier we understand its severity and find ways to cure it, the wider will be our success spectrum.