Benjamin Franklin Quotes About Decision

“Well done is better than well said.”

Franklin gives execution priority over impressive promises or intentions.

Source note: Poor Richard’s Almanack.

“Creditors have better memories than debtors.”

Debt can feel less urgent to the borrower than to the person awaiting repayment, making the line a dry reminder about financial obligations and accountability.

Source note: Poor Richard’s Almanack for 1736; Franklin uses a short contrast to emphasize the persistence of financial obligations.

“If your adversary is long in playing, you ought not to hurry him.”

Franklin makes patience part of fair competition, arguing that disturbing an opponent’s concentration displays rudeness or craft rather than genuine skill.

Source note: The Morals of Chess; Founders Online authoritative Franklin Papers text. Rule four continues with examples of behaviors that distract or pressure the other player.

“moderate your desire of victory over your adversary, and be pleased with one over yourself.”

Franklin shifts the measure of victory from exploiting another player’s mistakes toward self-command, generosity and the ability to restrain one’s own competitive appetite.

Source note: The Morals of Chess; Founders Online authoritative Franklin Papers text. The wording begins mid-sentence after Franklin’s condition that the game is not being played rigorously; source context is preserved here.

“No false move should ever be made to extricate yourself out of a difficulty, or to gain an advantage.”

Franklin uses a rule of fair chess play as an ethical analogy: escaping difficulty through deception destroys trust and turns apparent advantage into unfair conduct.

Source note: The Morals of Chess, composed before 28 June 1779; Founders Online authoritative Franklin Papers text. The sentence is rule three in Franklin’s advice on fair play.

“At a great pennyworth pause a while.”

An unusually cheap offer deserves scrutiny because apparent savings can still produce a bad purchase when the buyer has no real need for it.

Source note: The Way to Wealth, frugality section; Project Gutenberg #43855. The maxim introduces Franklin’s distinction between apparent cheapness and genuine value.

“Ere fancy you consult, consult your purse.”

Desired appearance should be tested against actual means before spending, placing affordability ahead of fashion or social comparison.

Source note: The Way to Wealth, frugality section; Project Gutenberg #43855. The line appears in a short verse warning against pride-driven spending on dress.

“Many have been ruined by buying good pennyworths.”

A low price does not make a purchase beneficial when the item is unnecessary or when buying it leaves too little for more important needs.

Source note: The Way to Wealth, frugality section; Project Gutenberg #43855. “Pennyworth” refers to an apparent bargain and the warning is about false economy.

“It is foolish to lay out money in a purchase of repentance.”

Money spent on an unnecessary bargain can create regret rather than value, making restraint part of good purchasing judgment.

Source note: The Way to Wealth, frugality section; Project Gutenberg #43855. Father Abraham uses the maxim while warning auction buyers against purchases made only because they seem cheap.