“If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“If you would have a faithful servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.”
Explanation
In this sharply practical statement, Benjamin Franklin advises that the most reliable and satisfying service is the one you provide for yourself. The quote begins as if offering advice on how to find an ideal servant—“faithful” and “one that you like”—but quickly turns the expectation on its head: the only person who can consistently meet those standards is yourself. Franklin underscores a theme central to his philosophy: self-reliance.
Living in a time when domestic servants were common among the well-off, Franklin used this saying to challenge dependency and entitlement. He often promoted the virtues of independence, industry, and frugality. Rather than relying on others, he believed that taking personal responsibility for one’s tasks and needs was both wiser and more efficient. This quote aligns with his broader efforts to instill practical ethics in readers of Poor Richard’s Almanack.
In modern life, Franklin’s point still rings true. Whether managing household duties, personal goals, or professional work, depending entirely on others often leads to disappointment or unmet expectations. His advice reminds us that empowerment begins with initiative—that serving ourselves not only ensures the work is done, but fosters confidence, satisfaction, and autonomy.
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