Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to… — Benjamin Franklin · Smartyfair

Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.

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.34 quotes

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How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.; Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, ninth edition, Benjamin Franklin entry; Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.; Wording and named work checked in Bartlett’s published reference; literary quotations are excerpts. Source identifies the work and locator.
Work: Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 17 October 2026Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.; Bartlett, Familiar Quotations, ninth edition, Benjamin Franklin entry; Letter to M. Leroy, 1789.; Wording and named work checked in Bartlett’s published reference; literary quotations are excerpts. Source identifies the work and locator.

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More from Benjamin Franklin

Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.

Benjamin Franklin Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Benjamin Franklin Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Benjamin Franklin Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Benjamin Franklin Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Benjamin Franklin Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Benjamin Franklin

More history

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 In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Sun Tzu The wound is the place where the light enters you.

Rumi You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Marcus Aurelius Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Marcus Aurelius