Four Rules of Living From Ben Franklin

Good morning all. Happy new year again. Today I would like to share some wisdom from Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the US.

  1. It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, till I have paid what I owe. Ben has said “A penny saved is a penny earned”. So take a look at where you can save money for e.g. internet or phone plans, credit card fees etc.
  2. To endeavor to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action – the most amicable excellence in a rational being.
  3. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty. I am guilty of this. I try to chase different business ideas, but from now on, I am going to focus on only one or two things,
  4. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody. It is easy to find faults with someone, but we should try to find good qualities.

It is said that Ben came up with these rules very early in life and stuck with them until his old age. I hope this was helpful. There are 363 days to follow these rules.