Tag Archives: industry

Labor Day Quotes from Founding Fathers

Posted on by September 3, 2010

With Labor Day quickly approaching, I thought maybe you’d enjoy some favorite quotes from some of the Founding Fathers (and a few others) relating to labor.

“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin

“Success has ruined many a good man.” Benjamin Franklin

“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” Benjamin Franklin

“Commerce and industry are the best mines of a nation.” George Washington

“The private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry are not less amiable, in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, in public life.” George Washington read more

George Washington and the Meaning of His Words

Posted on by August 31, 2010

I was reading some quotes from a few of our Founding Fathers. I came across a quote from George Washington and as I read it I wondered how many of us could just read the letter and know what George meant.

I decided to write the quote and include the meaning of those words which do not occur in the general conversation of most adults today. So here it is:

“While I reiterate* the professions* of my dependence upon Heaven as the source of public and private blessings; I will observe that the general prevalence* of piety*, philanthropy*, honesty, industry and economy seems, in the ordinary course of human affairs*, particularly necessary for advancing and confirming the happiness of our country. read more

“What is a Wise and Frugal Government, Thomas Jefferson?”

Posted on by April 15, 2010

On this tax day, April 15, 2010, I think it is interesting to note what our Third U.S. President said in his inaugural speech, in 1801.

“A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned–this is the sum of good government.”

Then after two years in office, Jefferson spoke of his achievements: “At home, fellow citizens, you best know whether we have done well or ill. The suppression of unnecessary offices, of useless establishments and expenses, enabled us to discontinue our internal taxes . . . . The remaining revenue, on the consumption of foreign articles, is paid cheerfully by those who can afford to add foreign luxuries to domestic comforts . . . . It may be the pleasure and pride of an American to ask, what farmer, what mechanic, what laborer ever sees a tax-gatherer of the United States?” read more