Quotes by Founding Fathers

I'd rather be a pessimist because then I can only be pleasantly surprised.
Benjamin Franklin
Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as publick Liberty, without Freedom of Speech; which is the Right of every Man, as far as by it, he does not hurt or controul the Right of another: And this is the only Check it ought to suffer, and the only Bounds it ought to know.
Benjamin Franklin
As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.
James Madison
Reckless youth makes rueful age.
Benjamin Franklin
But in this world nothing is sure but death and taxes.
Benjamin Franklin
Handle your tools without mittens.
Benjamin Franklin
A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees.
Benjamin Franklin
Diligence is the mother of good luck and God gives all things to industry.
Benjamin Franklin
If a man could half his wishes he would double his Troubles.
Benjamin Franklin
Some are weather-wise some are otherwise.
Benjamin Franklin
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.
Benjamin Franklin
An undutiful Daughter will prove an unmanageable Wife.
Benjamin Franklin
Wealth is not his that has it but his who enjoys it.
Benjamin Franklin
If you would be wealthy think of saving as well as of getting.
Benjamin Franklin
Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.
Benjamin Franklin
There never was a good war or a bad peace.
Benjamin Franklin
Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.
George Washington
What maintains one vice would bring up two children.
Benjamin Franklin
We must all hang together or assuredly we shall hang separately.
Benjamin Franklin
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.
George Washington
One today is worth two tomorrows.
Benjamin Franklin
Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.
Benjamin Franklin
Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin
A little neglect may breed great mischief. ... For want of a nail the shoe was lost for want of a shoe the horse was lost for want of a horse the battle was lost for want of the battle the war was lost.
Benjamin Franklin
Little strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin Franklin
Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen as by little advantages that occur every day.
Benjamin Franklin
I beg leave to assure the Congress that no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to accept this arduous employment at the expense of my domestic ease and happiness. I do not wish to make any profit from it.
George Washington
Today is yesterday's pupil.
Benjamin Franklin
Success has ruined many a man.
Benjamin Franklin
Thirteen virtues necessary for true success: temperance silence order resolution frugality industry sincerity justice moderation cleanliness tranquility chastity and humility.
Benjamin Franklin
Would you persuade speak of interest not of reason.
Benjamin Franklin
Fatigue is the best pillow.
Benjamin Franklin
The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself.
Benjamin Franklin
If you would have a faithful servant and one that you like serve yourself.
Benjamin Franklin
If you want a thing done go if not send.
Benjamin Franklin
He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.
Benjamin Franklin
The way to be safe is never to be secure.
Benjamin Franklin
If you would be loved love and be lovable.
Benjamin Franklin
There is a difference between imitating a good man and counterfeiting him.
Benjamin Franklin
Heaven itself has ordained the right.
George Washington
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
Benjamin Franklin
He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.
Benjamin Franklin
Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
George Washington
If men are so wicked with religion what would they be without it?
Benjamin Franklin
The best is the cheapest.
Benjamin Franklin
Mine is better than ours.
Benjamin Franklin
Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.
George Washington
Pride that dines on vanity sups on contempt.
Benjamin Franklin
The proud hate pride - in others.
Benjamin Franklin
If principle is good for anything it is worth living up to.
Benjamin Franklin
My movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution.
George Washington
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
George Washington
Work as if you were to live one hundred years pray as if you were to die tomorrow.
Benjamin Franklin
Praise to the undeserving is severe satire.
Benjamin Franklin
I shall never ask never refuse nor ever resign an office.
George Washington
Even peace may be purchased at too high a price.
Benjamin Franklin
He that can have patience can have what he will.
Benjamin Franklin
It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of men.
John Witherspoon
Plough deep while sluggards sleep.
Benjamin Franklin
He that waits upon fortune is never sure of a dinner.
Benjamin Franklin