Benjamin Franklin

(1706-1790) scientist, inventor, statesman, philosopher

Learn more:

Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
Pennsylvania Assembly: Reply to the Governor, November 11, 1755.
More on: Freedom
Added on 08.25.2006 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

Well done is better than well said.
Added on 08.10.2000 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
inscribed on a plaque in the stairwell of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty
Added on 07.27.2000 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.
Poor Richard's Almanac
Added by Jimi X on 02.14.2000 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.
Added on 02.14.2000 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

I hope...that mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a bad peace.
From a letter to Sir Joseph Banks, July 27, 1783
More on: War
Added on 12.30.1999 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

The honest man takes pains, and then enjoys pleasures; the knave takes pleasure, and then suffers pain.
Added on 11.22.1999 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction

Three can keep a secret, if two are dead.
More on: Silence
Added on 09.15.1999 | Rating: | rate | e-card | add to list | e-mail |correction