Energy And Persistence Conquer All Things

This maxim appeared in Poor Richard's Almanack for 1744, one of Franklin's recurring themes on the rewards of persistent effort. Franklin's own career illustrated the principle: he rose from a runaway apprentice to printer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat through sustained industry. The almanack, published annually from 1732 to 1758, sold roughly 10,000 copies per year and served as the preeminent guide to practical virtues in colonial America.