Benjamin Franklin

"Industry need not wish, and he that lives upon hopes will die fasting. There are no gains without pains. He that hath a trade hath an estate, and he that hath a calling hath an office of profit and honor; but then the trade must be worked at and the calling followed, or neither the estate nor the office will enable us to pay our taxes. If we are industrious, we shall never starve; for at the workingman's house hunger looks in, but dares not enter. Nor will the bailiff or the constable enter, for industry pays debts, while idleness and neglect increase them."

4 likes

Source: Benjamin Franklin, Ormond Seavey (1998). “Autobiography and Other Writings”, p.277, Oxford University Press, USA

About the author

Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

Inventor, Statesman, Author

Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States, renowned for his contributions to science, politics, and philosophy, especially through 'Poor Richard's Almanack.'

All quotes by Benjamin Franklin →

Same author

More quotes by Benjamin Franklin

See all →
Benjamin Franklin Inventor, Statesman, Author

"The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all others, charity."

Read quote