Wisdom for Life -- Wisdom Sayings from the Founding Fathers

 By Denise Miller Holmes

Benjamin Franklin by Joseph Duplessis, 1778

Fools Should be Quiet
“The learned fool writes his nonsense in better languages than the unlearned, but still it is nonsense.” — Benjamin Franklin in Poor Richard’s Almanac

Counting is the Best Medicine
“When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.” — Thomas Jefferson


It’s Lonely at the Moral Top
“Always stand on principle . . . even if you stand alone.” — John Quincy Adams, who fought for the term “unalienable rights” to be written into the Declaration of Independence, even though he stood alone. :D


Several Opinions Take you to Success
“In a multitude of counselors, there is the best chance for honesty, if not of wisdom.” — James Madison


What Motivates You?
“Three things prompt men to a regular discharge of their duty in time of Action: natural bravery, hope of reward, and fear of punishment.” — George Washington