Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin – Book Summary

A collection of my favorite statements from Benjamin Franklin’s “Poor Richard’s Almanac”

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”

Benjamin Franklin

On Being Content

• If man could have half his wishes, he would double his troubles.
• He that can have patience can have what he will.
• One today is worth more than two tomorrows.
• An egg today is better than a hen tomorrow.
• Better is a little with content than much with contention.
• Don’t judge a man’s wealth or piety, by his Sunday appearances.

On Avoiding Debt

• Beware of little expenses, a small leak will sink a great ship.
• Spare and have is better than spend and crave.
• Buy what you do not need of, and before long you shall sell your necessities.
• Creditors have better memories than debtors.
• Fools make feasts, and wise men eat them.
• The generous mind least regards money, and yet most feels the want of it.

On Saving Money

• If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosophers’ stone.
• All things are cheap to the saving, dear to the wasteful
• Bargaining has neither friends nor relations.
• For age and want save while you may; No morning sun lasts a whole day.
• He that waits upon fortune, is never sure of a dinner.
• Little strokes fell great oaks.

On Character

• A good man is seldom uneasy, an ill one never easy.
• Approve not of him that agrees with all you say.
• As pride increases, fortune declines.
• Be always ashamed to catch yourself idle.
• Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.
• Don’t value a man for the quality he is of, but for the qualities he possesses.
• Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
• He that believes money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.
• He that lies down with dogs, shall rise with fleas.
• It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.
• The bird that sits, is easily shot.

My Take

These are extremely insightful statements from America’s foremost Polymath.

Practical Insights

• Develop good character
• You must avoid debt
• “living below your means” is good advice at any level of income.