Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing.

— Benjamin Franklin

Be studious in your profession, and you will be learned. Be industrious and frugal, and you will be rich. Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy. Be in general virtuous, and you will be happy. At least you will, by such conduct, stand to be.

— Benjamin Franklin

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

— Benjamin Franklin

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

— Benjamin Franklin

Beware the hobby that eats.

— Benjamin Franklin

But if you will not take this Counsel, and persist in thinking a Commerce with the Sex inevitable, then I repeat my former Advice, that in all your Amours you should prefer old Women to young ones. You call this a Paradox, and demand my Reasons. They are these:1. Because as they have more Knowledge of the World and their Minds are better story'd with Observations, their Conversation is more improving and more lastingly agreeable.2. Because when Women cease to be handsome, they study to be good. To maintain their Influence over Men, they supply the Diminution of Beauty by an Augmentation of Utility. They learn to do a 1000 Services small and great, and are the most tender and useful of all Friends when you are sick. Thus, they continue amiable. And hence there is hardly such a thing to be found as an old Woman who is not a good Woman.3. Because there is no hazard of Children, which irregularly produce'd may be attended with much Inconvenience.4. Because tho' more Experience, they are more prudent and discreet in conducting an Intrigue to prevent Suspicion. The Commerce with them is therefore safer with regard to your Reputation. And with regard to theirs, if the Affair should happen to be known, considerate People might be rather incline'd to excuse an old Woman who would kindly take care of a young Man, form his Manners by her good Counsels, and prevent his ruining his Health and Fortune among mercenary Prostitutes.5. Because in every Animal that walks upright, the Deficiency of the Fluids that fill the Muscles appears first in the highest Part: The Face first grows lank and wrinkled; then the Neck; then the Breast and Arms; the lower Parts continuing to the last as plump as ever: So that covering all above with a Basket, and regarding2 only what is below the Girdle, it is impossible of two Women to know an old from a young one. And as in the dark all Cats are gray, the Pleasure of corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every Knack being by Practice capable of Improvement.6. Because the Sin is less. The debauching a Virgin may be her Ruin, and make her for Life unhappy.7. Because the Compunction is less. The having made a young Girl miserable may give you frequent bitter Reflections; none of which can attend the making an old Woman happy.8thly, and Lastly They are so grateful!!Thus, much for my Paradox. But still I advise you to marry directly; being sincerely Your affectionate Friend.

— Benjamin Franklin

But in this world nothing is sure but death and taxes.

— Benjamin Franklin

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

— Benjamin Franklin

Carelessness does more harm than a want of knowledge.

— Benjamin Franklin

Content makes poor men rich discontent makes rich men poor.

— Benjamin Franklin