Founding Father quotes

Discover wise and inspiring quotes from the Founding Fathers of the United States on democracy, freedom, and patriotism.

A friend in need is a friend indeed!

- Benjamin Franklin

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing.

- Thomas Jefferson

There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.

- Benjamin Franklin

Never ruin an apology with an excuse.

- Benjamin Franklin

Never read a book without a pen in your hand.

- Benjamin Franklin

Little strokes fell great oaks.

- Benjamin Franklin

I didn’t fail the test. I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.

- Benjamin Franklin

Beware of the young doctor and the old barber.

- Benjamin Franklin

Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.

- Benjamin Franklin

Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He that is content. Who is that? Nobody.

- Benjamin Franklin

When you're testing to see how deep water is, never use two feet.

- Benjamin Franklin

War is when the government tells you who the bad guy is. Revolution is when you decide that for yourself.

- Benjamin Franklin

Two passions have powerful influence on the affairs of men: the love of power and the love of money.

- Benjamin Franklin

Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.

- Benjamin Franklin

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don't have brains enough to be honest.

- Benjamin Franklin

To find out a girl's faults, praise her to her girlfriends.

- Benjamin Franklin

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.

- Benjamin Franklin

Take the money in your wallet and invest it in your mind. And in return, your mind will fill up your wallet!

- Benjamin Franklin

Security without liberty is called prison.

- Benjamin Franklin

Most men die from the neck up at age twenty-five because they stop dreaming.

- Benjamin Franklin