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 allLittle strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.Benjamin FranklinReading was the only Amusement I allow'd myself.Benjamin FranklinBeing ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.Benjamin FranklinGenius without education is like silver in the mine.Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.Benjamin FranklinReading was the only Amusement I allow'd myself.Benjamin FranklinBeing ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.Benjamin FranklinGenius without education is like silver in the mine.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