“If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
– Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)
HE was one of the most influential figures in modern history, best known as a Founding Father of the United States, a statesman, scientist, inventor, writer, and philosopher.
He’s relevant to fire safety because he helped to establish one of the first volunteer fire brigades; early fire insurance systems; and urban fire prevention practices (building materials, spacing, inspections).
This is why many of his quotes resonate strongly with modern fire safety, risk management, and preparedness.
In short, he was a champion of preparedness; a believer in prevention over reaction; and a practical thinker whose ideas still guide safety, governance, and community responsibility today
The quote, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is also attributed to him. Many of his sayings about preparation, prevention, responsibility, and discipline come from Poor Richard’s Almanack, a widely read publication in 18th century USA.
