“He that rises late must trot all day.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
table of contents
Quote
“He that rises late must trot all day.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin offers a vivid metaphor to emphasize the importance of starting the day early. The image of someone who “must trot all day” suggests a person who is rushed, hurried, and constantly trying to catch up, all because they began the day too late. Franklin implies that rising early leads to better time management, calm productivity, and overall efficiency, while late risers often find themselves overwhelmed and outpaced.
This idea is consistent with Franklin’s well-known advocacy for discipline, routine, and industrious living. In Poor Richard’s Almanack, where this quote appeared, he frequently promoted the virtues of early rising and diligent effort. Franklin believed that how one starts the day sets the tone for everything that follows, and that time lost in the morning is rarely regained.
In today’s fast-paced world, his message remains highly relevant. While modern schedules and lifestyles vary, the principle still holds: those who begin the day with purpose and structure are more likely to stay ahead of their responsibilities, while those who delay often feel hurried or behind. Franklin’s quote is a timeless reminder that a productive life begins with a purposeful start, and that every hour counts—especially the first ones.
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