By Failing To Prepare You Are

Although widely attributed to Franklin, this saying does not appear in any verified Franklin text. It is not found in Poor Richard's Almanack or his known correspondence; Franklin scholar Blaine McCormick of Baylor University has noted it does not even "sound Colonial." The sentiment is consistent with Franklin's emphasis on foresight and discipline, and the misattribution likely occurred during the 20th century when many proverbs were attached to famous historical names through popular quotation anthologies.