Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise
Meaning
This proverb suggests that maintaining a regular routine of going to sleep early and waking up early is beneficial for one's physical health, financial prosperity, and intellectual acuity.
Origin
This venerable proverb, now synonymous with American wisdom, found its most enduring voice in Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack in 1735. Franklin, ever the pragmatist, distilled centuries of common sense into pithy aphorisms, and this one became a cornerstone of his philosophy for success. He wasn't inventing the idea—ancient Greek and Roman texts hinted at similar sentiments, and English proverbs before him championed early rising—but Franklin's genius lay in his ability to package profound truths into memorable, actionable phrases that resonated deeply with the burgeoning spirit of American industriousness. His version became the definitive declaration, urging a disciplined routine as the surest path to not just longevity, but also prosperity and sharp intellect.
Examples
- My grandmother always swore by the adage 'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,' and at ninety, she's still sharp and active.
- He decided to embrace the philosophy of 'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise' to improve his productivity and well-being.