“Ambition has its disappointments to sour us, but never the good fortune to satisfy us.”

— Benjamin Franklin, "On True Happiness", Pennsylvania Gazette (20 November 1735)

About Benjamin Franklin

1706 – 1790

American statesman, scientist, printer and writer, who published 'Poor Richard's Almanack' for many years.

“Well done is better than well said.”

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

“Thou canst not joke an Enemy into a Friend; but thou may'st a Friend into an Enemy.”

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”

“Prosperity is the best protector of principle.”

“The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.”

“The long, dull monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged adversity are excellent campaigning weather.”

“In all things success depends on previous preparation, and without such previous preparation there is sure to be failure.”

“I had not achieved a success; but I provoked an uproar; and the sensation was so agreeable that I resolved to try again.”