Poor Richard's Almanack

by Benjamin Franklin

There are no gains without pains.

At the working man’s house hunger looks in but dares not enter.

Plough deep while sluggards sleep and you shall have corn to sell and to keep.

Work while it is called today for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow.

If you were a servant would you not be ashamed that a good master should catch you idle? Then if you are your own master be ashamed to catch yourself idle.

Trouble springs from idleness and grievous toil from needless ease.

You may think, perhaps, that a little tea, or a little punch now and then, diet a little more costly, clothes a little finer, and a little more entertainment now and then can be no great matter but remember what Poor Richard says “Many a little makes a mickle; beware of little expense for a small leak will sink a great ship.”

To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.

The noblest question in the world is What good may I do in it?

Wink at small faults; remember thou hast great ones.

Each year one vicious habit rooted out, In time might make the worst man good throughout.

Hear no ill of a friend, nor speak any of an enemy.

‘Tis hard but glorious to be poor and honest.

If you would reap praise you must sow the seeds, Gentle words and useful deeds.

What you would seem to be, be really.

Drink does not drown care, but waters it, and makes it grow fast.

He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.

Take this remark from Richard poor and lame, Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.

Think of three things: Whence you came, Where you are going, And to whom you must account.

Be civil to all serviceable to many familiar with few, friend to one, enemy to none.

Love your enemies for they tell you your faults.

Fear to do evil and you need fear nothing else.

Who is strong? He that can conquer his bad habits.

Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.

Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.