Ben Franklin's Aphorisms

This week English 3 has been discussing various aphorisms (short statements with a message) of Benjamin Franklin. Many of these aphorisms are still around today and are used by various people in advertising, politics, and even parenting!

We then matched up Ben's aphorisms to his virtues for the nation of individuals (rather than that central form of government praising the queen).

Here is a copy of the chart that we completed in class together.

“ “ from someone else	Applicable Ben Aphorism	Agree or Not	Matching Virtues
The nicest thing about the future is that it always starts tomorrow. Modern	Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today. One today is worth two tomorrows.	Not	Order Industry Temperance (Self Control)
No one says, “It’s only a game,” when their team is winning. Modern	Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.	Agree	Moderation (others/external) Resolution (decisions) Tranquility Humility Justice
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Modern	A small leak will sink a great ship.	Agree
A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you’re in deep water. Modern	A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue, you may never get over.	Agree, in principle.
Daring talk is not strength. Liberia	Well done is better than well said.	Agree	RESOLUTION Silence Sincerity Industry Humility
No dew has ever competed with the sun. South Africa	If your head is wax don’t walk in the sun.	Agree	Temperance (Self Control) Humility Cleanliness (Self-Preservation) Tranquility
The hyena said, “It is not only that I have luck, but my leg is strong.”	Genius without education is like silver in the mine.	Agree	Order Frugality (Not wasting genius) Resolution Humility (knowing you need to learn more)