Diligence is the mother of good luck. — Benjamin Franklin · Smartyfair

Diligence is the mother of good luck.

Benjamin Franklin1706–1790 · inventor · 1700s AmericaBenjamin Franklin was an inventor, writer, and one of America's founding fathers who helped draft the Declaration of Independence — and was the only Founding Father to sign all four key documents of independence: the Declaration, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution.13 quotes

Source foundPerseverance1700s

In plain words

Working hard and trying often is what makes good luck happen.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Poor Richard's Almanack (aphorism #112), Franklin's own annual almanac, published Philadelphia 1733-1758. Wikisource text reproduces Franklin's original wording.
Work: Poor Richard's Almanack
Occasion: 1733-1758 · Philadelphia · annual almanac aphorism
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026aphorism #112, fetched and confirmed

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More from Benjamin Franklin

Little strokes fell great oaks.

Benjamin Franklin Energy and persistence conquer all things.

Benjamin Franklin Well done is better than well said.

Benjamin Franklin Reading was the only Amusement I allow'd myself.

Benjamin Franklin Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

Benjamin Franklin What you would seem to be, be really.

Benjamin Franklin

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.