25+ Funny Benjamin Franklin Quotes to Cheer You Up
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, wasn’t just a politician and inventor; he was also a master of wit.
His quirky and humorous quotes have stood the test of time, offering laughter and wisdom in equal measure. Who knew someone so instrumental in building a nation could be so cheeky?
On Beer and Wine
Franklin had a profound appreciation for the simple pleasures of life, including a good drink. His wit shines brightly when he talks about beer and wine, inviting us all to take ourselves a bit less seriously. He reminds us that life’s too short to pass up on a good ale.
- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Franklin’s ultimate take on liquid joy. - “Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.”
A toast to life’s little relaxations. - “In wine, there is wisdom; in beer, there is freedom; in water, there is bacteria.”
Choose your beverage wisely. - “God made yeast, as well as dough, and loves fermentation just as he loves vegetation.”
A divine endorsement of brewing. - “Many a man thinks he is buying pleasure when he is really selling himself to it.”
Buyer beware, especially when tipsy. - “A full belly is the mother of all evil.”
Maybe only after a hearty feast. - “The discovery of a wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation. The universe is too full of stars.”
Priorities, Ben!
On Human Nature
Ah, the quirks of being human, something Franklin knew a thing or two about. His observations of human behavior reveal his keen insight into our species’ amusing complexities. He captures the essence of our delightful imperfections with a twinkle in his eye.
- “Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”
So much for confidences. - “The way to see by faith is to shut the eye of reason.”
Vision through intuition. - “He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.”
A cautionary tale of narcissism. - “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Brainpower over banknotes. - “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
Self-awareness, the ultimate challenge. - “Well done is better than well said.”
Actions triumph words every day. - “Half a truth is often a great lie.”
Watch out for sly half-truths.
On Money and Wealth
Despite his penchant for fiscal wisdom, Franklin had a playful side when it came to riches and resources. His quotes on money are not just economically sound, but they carry that signature twist of humor. Who knew financial advice could tickle your funny bone?
- “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
Mind the pennies, save the pounds. - “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Classic nugget of thriftiness. - “Time is money.”
A timeless truth, quite literally. - “He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”
What’s your motive, eh? - “If you would know the value of money, go and try to borrow some.”
The lending paradox. - “Creditors have better memories than debtors.”
Funny how that works. - “The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.”
Spend to enjoy, don’t hoard.
On Politics
In a time of revolutionary ideas and monumental change, Franklin’s reflections on politics are peppered with irony.
His astute observations still hold water today, proving some things never change. He saw the circus of politics for what it truly was.
- “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.”
The tyranny of the majority. - “Politics is the art of the possible.”
And sometimes the improbable. - “Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that have not wit enough to be honest.”
Watch your back in politics. - “He that lives upon hope will die fasting.”
Hope, not a viable policy. - “Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.”
The spirit of revolution. - “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.”
Self-interest over common good. - “To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.”
Less is more, even in policy.
On Life and Death
Benjamin’s take on mortality and the human condition is both profound and side-splitting. His witticisms remind us to appreciate the absurdity of life and the inevitability of death. Death is the final punchline, after all.
- “In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes.”
The two constants, gloomy yet true. - “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”
Smile through the storm. - “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”
Carpe diem, my friend. - “Fear not death; for the sooner we die, the longer shall we be immortal.”
An immortal twist on mortality. - “Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
Wisdom comes with wrinkles. - “Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”
Shine, don’t shadow. - “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Plan, lest ye perish.
On Wisdom and Knowledge
Franklin’s wisdom is wrapped in humor, making his advice on learning both enjoyable and enlightening. His clever observations encourage us to seek knowledge while having a chuckle. The ultimate classroom comedian.
- “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
The essence of education. - “Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.”
Open mind, open world. - “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”
Choose enlightenment. - “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
Keep moving forward. - “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The true weight of foresight. - “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.”
Potential needs refinement. - “He that won’t be counseled can’t be helped.”
Listen to learn.
On Friendship and Relationships
Relationships, the bread and butter of human connection, are often as humorous as they are serious. Franklin’s take on friendships and love is laced with playful jabs at our social entanglements. Let’s laugh at ourselves together.
- “If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”
Simple, yet profound. - “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”
No time for slackers. - “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.”
Wise words for wedded bliss. - “A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines.”
Fair-weather friendships. - “There are no ugly loves, nor handsome prisons.”
Beauty is in freedom. - “Love your neighbor; yet don’t pull down your hedge.”
Boundaries in love. - “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.”
Choose wisely, change rarely.
On Virtue and Vice
The eternal struggle between good and evil is a favorite subject of Franklin’s. His quotes on virtue and vice reveal his sharp eye for societal sin and personal failings. He knew how to show our flaws with a grin.
- “It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.”
Nip it in the bud. - “The sting of a reproach is the truth of it.”
Truth cuts deep. - “Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.”
Virtue attracts virtue. - “He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.”
Choose your company wisely. - “Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful.”
The nature of sin. - “A good conscience is a continual Christmas.”
Joy in righteousness. - “Temptation wrings integrity even as the thumbscrew twists.”
Integrity under pressure.
On Work and Industry
Franklin was a champion of hard work and industriousness, yet he never missed a chance to infuse his observations with humor. These quotes serve as a reminder that diligence can be both serious and seriously funny.
- “Lost time is never found again.”
Tick-tock goes the clock. - “He that can have patience can have what he will.”
Patience is a superpower. - “Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.”
Work smart, relax later. - “A life of leisure and a life of laziness are two things.”
Enjoy, don’t idle. - “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
The trifecta of success. - “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”
Fortune favors the hardworking. - “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.”
Evolve or expire.
On Self-Reflection
Franklin’s quips on self-awareness cut to the core of personal growth while tickling our funny bones. His insights compel us to take a good look in the mirror and laugh at the reflection staring back. Growth is funny business.
- “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”
A wise resolution. - “He that cannot obey, cannot command.”
Leadership starts within. - “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.”
The elusive ideal human. - “It’s the working man who is the happy man. It is the idle man who is the miserable man.”
Work breeds joy. - “There is much difference between imitating a good man and counterfeiting him.”
Be genuine, not a clone. - “How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.”
The bravery of self-improvement. - “What you seem to be, be really.”
Authenticity is key.
Benjamin Franklin’s humor transcends centuries, proving that wit, wisdom, and a little cheekiness are timeless treasures.
His ability to capture the essence of the human experience with a smile on his face continues to inspire and entertain us today. Now, let Franklin’s playful words dance in your mind and lighten your heart, just as he intended.
