“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”
Explanation
In this eloquent admonition, Benjamin Franklin connects the abstract idea of life to the very tangible reality of time. The opening question, “Dost thou love life?”, challenges the reader to reflect on their values. Franklin immediately delivers the answer: to value life is to value time, because time is the very essence of life itself. To “squander time” is therefore to waste the one resource from which all experiences and achievements are built.
Franklin, a master of self-discipline and time management, included this quote in Poor Richard’s Almanack as part of his broader philosophy that industry and purpose are central to both moral and personal success. In an age when survival often depended on labor and resourcefulness, his message encouraged readers to treat time as precious and irreplaceable. It reflects Enlightenment values of rational living, self-improvement, and intentional action.
In today’s world of endless distractions and time-wasting habits, this quote is more resonant than ever. Whether it’s procrastination, digital overconsumption, or unfocused routines, many people let time slip by unconsciously. Franklin’s words remind us that life is not a distant goal but a series of fleeting moments—and that how we use our time ultimately defines the quality and meaning of our lives.
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