Benjamin Franklin was the publisher of “Poor Richard’s Almanack” from 1733 to 1758.
Of all the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin stands out for his diverse career. Statesman, diplomat, inventor, scientist, and signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Franklin was one of the leading figures in early American history. Many Americans may not realize that Franklin began his career as a printer in Philadelphia and is responsible for many proverbs and maxims still used today. As publisher of Poor Richard’s Almanack, Franklin dispensed his unique brand of wisdom.
Every year, Americans waited for the release of their favorite almanac, a popular reading source in early America. Shortly after it came out in 1733, Poor Richard’s Almanack became the almanac of choice. Written through a fictional astrologer named “Poor” Richard Saunders and his wife Bridget, Franklin used his almanac as a “vehicle for conveying instruction among the common folk.” Although the almanac discussed such topics as the weather, astrology, and agriculture, Franklin’s humorous and practical advice about everyday life made the almanac so appealing to the public. History remembers Poor Richard for its maxims, proverbs, and sayings.
Below are some of the most well-known:
Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Well done is better than well said.
People who are wrapped up in themselves make small packages.
He’s a fool who makes his doctor his heir.
He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.
Necessity never made a good bargain.
A Penny saved is Twopence clear.
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices.
Kings and bears often worry their keepers.
Haste makes waste.
No gains without pains.
Vice knows she’s ugly, so puts on her mask.
Love your enemies, for they will tell you your faults.
There’s a time to wink as well as to see.
There was never a good knife made of bad steel.
God helps them that help themselves.
Fish and visitors stink after three days.
One today is worth two tomorrows.
If a man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
Work as if you were to live a hundred years,
Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.
The cat in gloves catches no mice.
A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.
Poor Richard’s Almanack sold ten thousand copies a year in colonial America, and because only one was published annually, it outsold the Bible.
Although some of these sayings came from Franklin, as stated in Franklin’s autobiography, the majority “contained the wisdom of many ages and nations.” Franklin often took older proverbs and shortened or reworded them.
Through Poor Richard’s proverbs, Franklin inspired tradesmen to “inculcate industry and frugality as the means of procuring wealth and thereby securing virtue.” His use of humor made this message resonate with his readers. Today, as in years past, Americans can read Franklin’s work, smile, and think simultaneously.
Recommended Reading: Benjamin Franklin, An American Life by Walter Isaacson.