“Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever while you live, expense is constant and certain: and it is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“Gain may be temporary and uncertain; but ever while you live, expense is constant and certain: and it is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin offers a sharp and practical warning about financial prudence. He contrasts the uncertain and fleeting nature of income—”gain may be temporary and uncertain”—with the ever-present and reliable nature of expenses, which are “constant and certain.” The metaphor that “it is easier to build two chimneys than to keep one in fuel” vividly illustrates that starting something is often less challenging than sustaining it.
This sentiment reflects Franklin’s deep concern with thrift, frugality, and sustainable living, themes he returned to frequently in Poor Richard’s Almanack. In an 18th-century world without modern financial safety nets, Franklin advocated for cautious spending and long-term planning, recognizing that the illusion of wealth could easily vanish if not managed wisely. He warned against overconfidence in future earnings and emphasized the need to control ongoing costs.
In today’s consumer-driven culture, Franklin’s message remains highly relevant. People often overextend themselves financially, assuming that future gains will cover current spending. Whether it’s taking on debt or maintaining a lifestyle beyond one’s means, the reality is that managing recurring expenses requires far more discipline than making occasional gains. Franklin’s quote reminds us that financial security lies not just in what we earn, but in how carefully we manage what we spend.
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