Time is money
Meaning
Time is a valuable resource that should be spent wisely and productively, as it can be converted into profit or lost through idleness.
Origin
Benjamin Franklin, ever the pragmatist and sage of self-improvement, famously penned this maxim in his 1748 essay "Advice to a Young Tradesman." Addressing aspiring entrepreneurs, he didn't just suggest time was valuable; he presented it as a tangible asset, equating wasted hours with lost income. His message resonated through the burgeoning American economy, urging diligence and efficiency, and cementing the phrase as a cornerstone of industrious capitalism, a call to action for anyone looking to prosper by maximizing their productive hours.
Examples
- My boss always says 'Time is money,' so we need to finish this project efficiently.
- We can't afford to waste hours on minor details; remember, time is money.