The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it? — Benjamin Franklin · Smartyfair

The noblest question in the world is, what good may I do in it?

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 foundKindness1700s

In plain words

The best question to ask is, what good can I do in the world?

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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 #509), Franklin's own annual almanac, published Philadelphia 1733-1758.
Work: Poor Richard's Almanack
Occasion: 1733-1758 · Philadelphia · annual almanac aphorism
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026aphorism #509, fetched and confirmed

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More on kindness

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