QuoteProject
In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.
Benjamin Franklin
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that the only two unavoidable aspects of life are death and paying taxes.

Benjamin Franklin's quote highlights the inevitability of certain realities in life, particularly death and the obligation to pay taxes. It serves as a reminder of the things we cannot escape, regardless of our circumstances or status, and emphasizes the universal nature of these truths.

Themes

CertaintyDeathTaxesInevitabilityLife

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about life's challenges, one might say, 'As Benjamin Franklin wisely remarked, nothing is certain but death and taxes.'

More from Benjamin Franklin

To the generous mind the heaviest debt is that of gratitude, when it is not in our power to repay it.
Benjamin FranklinRead
He'll cheat without scruple, who can without fear.
Benjamin FranklinRead
[E]very Man who comes among us, and takes up a piece of Land, becomes a Citizen, and by our Constitution has a Voice in Elections, and a share in the Government of the Country.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.
Benjamin FranklinRead
Let honesty and industry be thy constant companions, and spend one penny less than thy clear gains; then shall thy pocket begin to thrive; creditors will not insult, nor want oppress, nor hungerness bite, nor nakedness freeze thee
Benjamin FranklinRead
I think that a young state, like a young virgin, should modestly stay at home, and wait the application of suitors for an alliance with her; and not run about offering her amity to all the world; and hazarding their refusal. Our virgin is a jolly one; and tho at present not very rich, will in time be a great fortune, and where she has a favorable predisposition, it seems to me well worth cultivating.
Benjamin FranklinRead

Similar quotes

All that happens is that the destruction of human beings - unless they're Americans - is called collateral damage.
Harold PinterRead
Thus it happens in matters of state; for knowing afar off (which it is only given a prudent man to do) the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But when, for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow so that everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
The minor choices we make are themselves a kind of vote. Our words and gestures, or their absence, count very much.
Timothy D. SnyderRead
A place (lieu) is the order (of whatever kind) in accord with which elements are distributed in relationships of coexistence. It thus excludes the possibility of two thing being in the same location (place). The law of the 'proper' rules in the place: the elements taken into consideration are beside one another, each situated in its own 'proper' and distinct location, a location it defines. A place is thus an instantaneous configuration of positions. It implies an indication of stability.
Michel De CerteauRead
I don't look at myself as a commodity, but I'm sure a lot of people have.
Marilyn MonroeRead
It is a novel kind of supremacy, the best that life can offer, to have as servants by skill those who by nature are our masters.
Baltasar GracianRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.