“Rather go to bed without dinner than to rise in debt.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
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Quote
“Rather go to bed without dinner than to rise in debt.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin champions the value of financial integrity and self-discipline, asserting that it is better to endure temporary hardship, such as skipping a meal, than to live under the burden of debt. The phrase “go to bed without dinner” symbolizes voluntary sacrifice or frugality, while “rise in debt” suggests waking to a reality of obligation, loss of freedom, and financial insecurity. Franklin implies that debt compromises one’s independence and peace of mind.
This view reflects Franklin’s deep commitment to thrift and personal responsibility, central tenets of his life and writings. In Poor Richard’s Almanack, he frequently warned against the dangers of debt, seeing it not only as a financial issue but as a moral and psychological trap. To him, debt was a form of servitude that eroded character and autonomy—values crucial to the spirit of the self-reliant American citizen he sought to promote.
In today’s credit-driven world, where borrowing is often easy and encouraged, Franklin’s message remains profoundly relevant. From credit card overuse to student loans and consumer debt, the temptation to spend beyond one’s means is ever-present. His quote urges us to prioritize financial freedom over fleeting comfort, and to remember that short-term restraint can protect long-term dignity and security.
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