20 Funny Benjamin Franklin Quotes

Benjamin Franklin’s funny quotes are concise and wit-filled expressions that reflect his clever observations on life, politics, and human nature. We will explore some of his most humorous quotes, providing a captivating glimpse into the wit and wisdom of one of America’s founding fathers.

From his famous quip about early risers to his playful jabs at human vices, Franklin’s humor continues to entertain and inspire to this day. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to chuckle as we delve into the amusing world of Benjamin Franklin’s wit and sarcasm.

“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, but most people choose to be unhealthy, broke, and sleep-deprived.”
“Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”
“He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
“A penny saved is a penny for your thoughts, but a dollar saved is a dollar earned.”
“Fish and visitors smell in three days, but sometimes fish can be better company.”
“Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.”
“Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow. And eat as if you were to die today… because who knows what’s in that casserole.”
“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.”
“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know oneself. I would add a fourth, trying to assemble IKEA furniture.”
“Hunger never saw bad bread.”
“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. Or if you just tell your dog.”
“A place for everything, everything in its place. Unless you have kids, then just hope for the best.”
“The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”
“Money has never made man happy, nor will it; there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has, the more one wants. Except, of course, when it comes to chocolate… or pizza.”
“Lost time is never found again, but you might find your keys… eventually.”
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late. And by then, our knees hurt.”
“The only thing more expensive than education is ignorance. But hey, at least you can’t get a hangover from it.”
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Unless you invested in that one cousin’s ‘brilliant’ business idea.”
“Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today, unless it involves folding laundry, in which case, tomorrow is fine.”

Early Humor

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, was not only known for his brilliant mind but also for his exceptional wit and humor. From a young age, Franklin exhibited a clever sense of humor that would later be showcased in his writings and public persona. His early humor can be uncovered through anecdotes from his youth and his first published humorous works.

Anecdotes From Youth

During his teenage years, Franklin created a fake persona named Silence Dogood and anonymously submitted witty and satirical essays to his brother’s newspaper. This allowed him to express his humorous observations and ideas without being directly associated with them. His keen wit and playful nature were evident in these pieces, showcasing a glimpse of the humor that would become a hallmark of his public image.

First Published Humorous Works

One of Franklin’s first published humorous pieces was his “A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain”. This clever satire poked fun at the philosophical debates of the time while also subtly critiquing the inconsistencies in human nature. Franklin’s ability to blend humor with intellectual discourse was evident even in his early literary endeavors, setting the stage for his future iconic wit and humor.

Wit And Wisdom

Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father of the United States but also a master of wit and wisdom. His quotes reflect a clever sense of humor intertwined with profound insights.

Satirical Observations

Franklin’s satirical observations on society and human nature remain relevant even today:

“Fish and visitors smell in three days.”
“Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.”

Clever Aphorisms

His clever aphorisms are timeless gems of wisdom:

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Political Comic

Benjamin Franklin, known for his wit and wisdom, had a penchant for injecting humor into his political commentary. His funny quotes and quips revealed his astute observations on political diplomacy, often wrapped in a layer of amusement and satire. In this section, we will explore some of Benjamin Franklin’s hilarious quotes under the subheading: Political Comic.

Humorous Diplomacy

Franklin’s unique ability to blend humor and diplomatic insight resulted in some truly amusing quotes. One such example is:

“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

This humorous quip from Franklin reinforces the importance of unity and collaboration in the face of political challenges. It serves as a reminder that a collective effort is crucial for success.

Another memorable example of Franklin’s humorous diplomacy is:

While this quote may seem lighthearted, it subtly suggests the need for limits and boundaries in politics and diplomacy. It implies that overstaying one’s welcome can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Political Cartoons

In addition to his witty quotes, Franklin also used political cartoons to convey his opinions and criticisms. These cartoons were often loaded with humor, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

An example of Franklin’s penchant for visual humor is his famous “Join, or Die” cartoon. This cartoon featured a segmented snake symbolizing the American colonies. Each segment represented a different colony, emphasizing the importance of unity against common threats.

Franklin’s use of political cartoons allowed him to connect with a larger audience while effectively conveying his political messages, packaged in an engaging and humorous manner. His ability to simplify complex political ideas through visual humor contributed to the widespread impact of his work.

Inventions And Jokes

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers, was not only a brilliant inventor but also a master of wit and humor? His joie de vivre led to the creation of some of his most memorable inventions and pranks. In this section, we explore Franklin’s innovative creations with a twist and take a peek into his mischievous side with Franklin’s hilarious and often surprising pranks.

Innovations With A Twist

Benjamin Franklin’s mind was a constant generator of ideas that delighted and astonished both his contemporaries and future generations. Some of his inventions carried a whimsical touch, showcasing his unique sense of humor.

The Glass Armonica: Franklin’s musical invention consisted of spinning glass bowls that were played with moistened fingers. While it created beautiful music, it also had a humorous side as it was said to have the power to cure melancholy, providing both amusement and therapeutic benefits.
The Long Arm: This extendable device allowed Franklin to reach high books without having to stand up. Its comical appearance and the convenience it provided made for a practical yet funny creation.
The Bifocal Glasses: Franklin famously adored his bifocals, which allowed him to see both near and far. This invention not only showcased his ingenuity but also contributed to his distinctive appearance, adding a touch of quirkiness to his everyday life.

Franklin’s Pranks

Alongside his scientific pursuits and political endeavors, Benjamin Franklin had a playful side that manifested through his numerous pranks, often leaving his unsuspecting friends and colleagues in stitches.

The Silence Dogood Letters: As a young man, Franklin created the fictional character Silence Dogood, a middle-aged widow who wrote witty letters to The New England Courant. Little did the publication know that Silence Dogood was none other than Franklin himself, amusing many with his clever and satirical take on various topics.
The Electrical Kite: Franklin’s famous experiment with electricity and lightning might have had a serious purpose, but it also carried an element of amusement. Imagine Franklin flying a kite in a thunderstorm, conducting experiments while having a thrilling and somewhat daring adventure!
Raisin Buns: In a surreptitious jest, Franklin once filled a friend’s buns with raisins without their knowledge. As they bit into the unsuspecting treats, surprise and laughter ensued, showcasing Franklin’s mischievous nature.

Humor In Letters

Humor in Letters: Benjamin Franklin, besides being a statesman and inventor, was known for his wit and humor, which shone brightly in his correspondence.

Correspondence With Hilarious Flair

Benjamin Franklin’s letters were not just monotonous exchanges; they were filled with witty remarks and amusing anecdotes.

Displayed quick wit and clever humor in his letters.
Engaged readers with his humorous yet insightful content.

Quirky Epistolary Style

Franklin’s epistolary style was unique; he managed to infuse humor effortlessly into his written communication.

Used unconventional humor to address serious matters.
His letters were a delightful blend of wisdom and wit.

Legacy Of Laughter

Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father of the United States but also a man with a wit as sharp as his intellect. His humorous quotes and witty remarks have left a legacy of laughter that continues to bring joy to people of all ages. Whether through his writings, speeches, or anecdotes, Franklin’s humor has stood the test of time, making him an enduring figure in comedy and satire.

Impact On Satire

Franklin’s impact on satire is undeniable. Through his timeless quotes and humorous writings, he provided a lens through which to examine society’s follies and absurdities. His ability to use humor to comment on serious issues made satire more accessible and effective in initiating social commentary. Moreover, his influence on satire transcends time and has inspired many modern-day satirists to use humor as a means of critiquing societal norms and values.

Continued Influence In Comedy

Benjamin Franklin’s witty and comical observations continue to shape comedy today. His timeless quotes are frequently referenced and adapted in various forms of media, including stand-up comedy, television, and film.

Franklin’s ability to use humor to highlight universal truths and idiosyncrasies of human behavior has had a lasting impact on the comedy genre. Additionally, his wit remains a source of inspiration for comedians worldwide who seek to bring laughter to audiences through insightful and humorous content.