“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
Explanation
This well-known maxim by Benjamin Franklin promotes the virtues of discipline and routine, specifically emphasizing the benefits of rising early and maintaining regular sleep habits. The claim that such habits make a person “healthy, wealthy and wise” ties physical well-being, financial success, and intellectual growth to the practice of good time management.
Franklin himself was a model of this principle. Living in a time when daylight hours were precious for labor and productivity, he structured his day meticulously, often waking at dawn. This quote, which first appeared in his Poor Richard’s Almanack, reflects the Enlightenment values of self-reliance, industriousness, and rational living. It was part of Franklin’s broader campaign to improve both individual character and social progress through practical wisdom.
In modern life, while the specifics of work schedules may vary, the underlying message still holds: habits shape outcomes. Getting adequate rest, starting the day with intention, and using time wisely can lead to better health, career advancement, and clearer thinking. Whether applied by entrepreneurs, students, or anyone seeking balance, Franklin’s advice remains a timeless formula for success through simple daily discipline.
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