What you would seem to be, be really.
Where these words come from
- 88% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Poor Richard's Almanack (aphorism #617). Honest lineage note: the sentiment traces to the ancient Latin maxim 'esse quam videri' (be, rather than seem); this is Franklin's own printed phrasing.
- Poor Richard's Almanack
- 1733-1758 · Philadelphia · annual almanac aphorism
More from Benjamin Franklin
See allHuman felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.
Benjamin FranklinLet all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.Benjamin FranklinResolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.Benjamin FranklinLose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.Benjamin FranklinWrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.Benjamin FranklinBe not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin FranklinLet all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.Benjamin FranklinResolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.Benjamin FranklinLose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.Benjamin FranklinWrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.Benjamin FranklinBe not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.Benjamin FranklinMore on individuality
To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.
Oscar WildeNot all who wander are lost.
J.R.R. Tolkien'Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.Oscar WildeWe will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.
Ralph Waldo EmersonThe imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity.Ralph Waldo EmersonAlways be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
Judy Garland
Oscar WildeNot all who wander are lost.J.R.R. Tolkien'Know thyself' was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, 'Be thyself' shall be written.Oscar WildeWe will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds.Ralph Waldo EmersonThe imitator dooms himself to hopeless mediocrity.Ralph Waldo EmersonAlways be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.Judy Garland