Poor Richard's Almanack

by Benjamin Franklin

PRECEPT I. In Things of moment, on thy self depend, Nor trust too far thy Servant or thy Friend: With private Views, thy Friend may promise fair, And Servants very seldom prove sincere.

PRECEPT II. What can be done, with Care perform today, Dangers unthought-of will attend delay; Your distant Prospects all precarious are, And Fortune is as fickle as she’s fair.

PRECEPT III. Nor trivial Loss, nor trivial Gain despise; Molehills, if often heap’d, to Mountains rise: Weigh every small Expence, and nothing waste, Farthings long sav’d, amount to Pounds at last.

Genius without Education is like Silver in the Mine.

Fond Pride of Dress is sure an empty Curse; E’re Fancy you consult, consult your Purse.

‘Tis against some mens Principle to pay Interest, and seems against others Interest to pay the Principal.

Philosophy as well as foppery often changes fashion.

If you’d know the value of money, go and borrow some.

Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.

Tomorrow, every fault is to be amended; but that tomorrow never comes.

"FREE BEER TOMORROW!" -a sign in a bar

Half the truth is often a great lie.