Meaning of Quotes – Benjamin Franklin

Contributor: Victoria Surface. Lesson ID: 10243

"Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."
Benjamin Franklin is well known for his many quotes. Don't put off exploring their meanings and learning from his wisdom and knowledge

categories

United States

subject
History
learning style
Visual
personality style
Lion
Grade Level
Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12)
Lesson Type
Dig Deeper

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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“A penny saved is a penny earned.”

This quote, often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, means it is as useful to save money that you already have as it is to earn more. In other words, money that you save is more valuable than money you spend right away.

  • How is this quote useful in your own life? 
  • Why is it important?

Quotations teach us life lessons using wisdom, sometimes in the form of a metaphor.

A metaphor is something used to represent something else. It is a symbol.

Have you ever heard someone say, "Save for a rainy day"? Perhaps you have.

  • Did the person actually mean you need money on a rainy day?

Probably not. Rainy day is a metaphor for when something unexpected happens. It means money for emergencies, such as unexpected bills, maintenance, and repairs. If you have the money to pay for these things, the unexpected event—or rainy day—doesn't seem quite as bad.

This is just one example of Benjamin Franklin's wisdom. There are countless others.

  • Are you ready to take a look?

As you explore more of Benjamin Franklin's inspiring quotes, keep these questions in mind.

  • What do you think the quote means? Is there a metaphor in the quote? If so, what is the symbol?
  • Why is it important to you? Does the quote apply to anything in your life? If so, explain.
  • How does the quote relate to the real world? Why has the quote endured or stood the test of time?
  • Can you think of or find another quote that means the same thing?

Watch the video below and check out these Benjamin Franklin > Quotes.

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  • Which quote was your favorite?

Draw an illustration of one of your favorite quotes from Mr. Franklin. If you need ideas, take a look at these examples.

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Share your creation with someone before continuing on to the Got It? section.

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