When I lived in Boston, nothing inspired me more than seeing the historic pieces, wonderfully maintained, in the heart of the city, including Ben Franklin’s birthplace. While he needs no introduction, Ben Franklin has inspired my mind since I was a kid reading about his youthful approach to tinkering with objects and being a fearless builder. As a kid, he even designed what some might call are the first modern western version of hand paddles to help you swim faster.
I love this mindset! The world is malleable, and with the right drive, you can, as the kids say today, just do things.
As markets and politics intertwine again, I am reminded of Ben Franklin and wonder what such a mind and soul would be doing in this environment. And so, I decided to dig up my favorite Ben Franklin quotes and tie them back to the industry I follow most closely – investing. Here are some quotes for the inquisitive mind:
- “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”
- “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
- “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
- “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”
- “He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.”
- “Rather go to bed without dinner than rise in debt.”
- “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
- “Take time for all things: great haste makes great waste.”
- “The way to wealth depends on just two words: industry and frugality.”
- “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”
- “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
- “He that can have patience can have what he will.”
- “Money makes money. And the money that money makes, makes money.”
