A Bit of Wisdom from the 1757 Poor Richard’s Almanack

Philadelphia, PA…Poor Richard’s Almanack was published by Benjamin Franklin, under the pen name of “Poor Richard” or “Richard Saunders”. Annual versions were published from 1733 to 1758 & outsold everything but the bible. For two generations before the Revolutionary war he helped create our unique heritage and identity. In this crazy time where the news headlines read like satire we thought it might be refreshing to head down history lane a bit.

God helps them that help themselves.
Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.
Early to bed and early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Plough deep while sluggards sleep.
Never leave that till to-morrow which you can do to-day.
Three removes are as bad as a fire.
Little strokes fell great oaks.
A little neglect may breed mischief: for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost.
He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.
A man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, keep his nose to the grindstone.
Vessels large may venture more, But little boats should keep near shore.
It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.
Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.