American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher
There was never a good war, or a bad peace.
Wars are not paid for in wartime, the bill comes later.
All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones.
In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires.
Those have a short Lent who owe money to be paid at Easter.
By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.
Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.
Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
The first mistake in public business is the going into it.