Principle: Industry

• Franklin’s thoughts: Franklin believed that industry, or hard work, was the foundation of wealth. He said, “Industry pays debts, idleness increases them.” He also said, “He that riseth late must trot all day, and shall scarce overtake his business at night; while laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him.”
• Aphorisms:
  • “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
  • “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

Franklin believed that anyone could achieve wealth through hard work and dedication. He said, “Diligence is the mother of good luck, and God gives all things to industry.” He also said, “God helps those who help themselves.”

These aphorisms illustrate Franklin’s belief in the importance of industry. They also offer practical advice on how to be industrious. For example, the first aphorism suggests that going to bed early and waking up early will give you more time to work. The second aphorism suggests that hard work will eventually lead to success.

Franklin’s thoughts on industry are still relevant today. In a world where there is so much competition, hard work is still one of the best ways to achieve success. If you are willing to work hard and be diligent, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.