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The Death and Taxes Quote: Benjamin Franklin's Famous Words

Learn about Benjamin Franklin's famous death and taxes quote from 1789. Discover the history and meaning behind this well-known saying.

by Loudia Mahartika Modified Date 11 Jul 2025, 01:00 PM
death and taxes quote

 

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Benjamin Franklin wrote one of the most famous sayings in American history. In 1789, he said that nothing is certain except death and taxes. This quote has become very popular over many years. People use it to talk about things that always happen in life. Franklin was a smart man who helped create America. He wrote many wise words that people still remember today.

Benjamin Franklin's Famous Letter

Benjamin Franklin's Famous Letter

  1. Franklin wrote a letter to a French scientist in November 1789.
  2. The scientist's name was Jean-Baptiste Le Roy.
  3. Franklin was worried because he had not heard from his friend for a long time.
  4. The French Revolution was happening, and Franklin feared for his friend's safety.
  5. Franklin wrote the letter in French language.
  6. The letter was later translated into English for everyone to read.
  7. This letter contained the famous death and taxes quote.
  8. Franklin was 83 years old when he wrote this letter.
  9. He died just five months after writing these words.
  10. The letter was published in 1817 by Franklin's grandson.
  11. This publication made the quote very popular in America.
  12. Franklin wrote the letter on Friday the 13th of November.
  13. He was concerned about events happening in Paris during the revolution.
  14. Franklin asked about his friend's health and safety.
  15. The letter showed Franklin's care for his friends around the world.

The Exact Words Franklin Used

Benjamin Franklin. | via: kiscomasons.com
  1. Franklin said the new Constitution was now established.
  2. He believed everything promised the Constitution would last a long time.
  3. But he added that nothing in this world is certain.
  4. The only certain things are death and taxes.
  5. These words became one of the most quoted sayings in history.
  6. Franklin was talking about the American Constitution when he said this.
  7. The Constitution had been approved one year before his letter.
  8. Franklin helped write the Constitution at the Constitutional Convention.
  9. He was one of the oldest people at the convention.
  10. Franklin brought his wisdom and experience to the new government.
  11. His quote showed he understood that life has few guarantees.
  12. Even good things like the Constitution might not last forever.
  13. But death and taxes will always be part of human life.
  14. This truth applies to all people in all countries.
  15. Franklin's words still make sense to people today.

Earlier Uses of Similar Ideas

Benjamin Franklin (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
  1. Franklin was not the first person to talk about death and taxes.
  2. A writer named Christopher Bullock used similar words in 1716.
  3. Bullock wrote a play called "The Cobbler of Preston."
  4. In the play, a character said nothing is sure but death and taxes.
  5. This was about 70 years before Franklin's letter.
  6. Another writer named Daniel Defoe also used this idea.
  7. Defoe wrote about death and taxes in 1717.
  8. He said it was a common saying among people.
  9. Edward Ward mentioned death and taxes in a poem in 1724.
  10. Joseph Reed included the phrase in a comic opera in 1769.
  11. Many writers in the 1700s knew about this saying.
  12. It was already a popular idea before Franklin used it.
  13. But Franklin's version became the most famous.
  14. His letter made the quote known all over America.
  15. People remember Franklin's words more than the earlier versions.

Franklin's Life and Other Famous Quotes

Franklin's Life and Other Famous Quotes

  1. Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 in Boston.
  2. He became a printer, writer, and inventor.
  3. Franklin published Poor Richard's Almanack for 25 years.
  4. The almanac contained many wise sayings and proverbs.
  5. He wrote "A penny saved is a penny earned."
  6. Franklin also said "Time is money."
  7. He helped write the Declaration of Independence.
  8. Franklin was America's ambassador to France.
  9. He invented the lightning rod and bifocal glasses.
  10. Franklin started the first public library in America.
  11. He helped create the postal system.
  12. Franklin was known for his humor and wisdom.
  13. People loved to read his clever sayings.
  14. He understood human nature very well.
  15. Franklin's quotes are still popular today.

The Meaning Behind Death and Taxes

The Meaning Behind Death and Taxes

  1. Death means that all people will die someday.
  2. This is something no one can avoid or change.
  3. Taxes mean the money people pay to the government.
  4. Governments need money to provide services to citizens.
  5. People must pay taxes to support their country.
  6. Both death and taxes happen to everyone.
  7. Rich people and poor people both face death and taxes.
  8. No one can escape these two things in life.
  9. Franklin understood this basic truth about human existence.
  10. His quote reminds us that some things never change.
  11. Even when governments change, people still pay taxes.
  12. Even with medical advances, people still die.
  13. The quote teaches us to accept certain facts of life.
  14. It shows that some things are beyond our control.
  15. Franklin's wisdom helps people understand reality.

How People Use This Quote Today

How People Use This Quote Today ©created by AI
  1. People often say this quote when talking about taxes.
  2. Tax preparers use it in their advertisements.
  3. Insurance companies mention it when selling life insurance.
  4. Politicians quote Franklin when discussing tax policies.
  5. Teachers use it to explain American history.
  6. The quote appears in movies and television shows.
  7. People post it on social media during tax season.
  8. Writers include it in books and articles.
  9. Comedians make jokes using Franklin's words.
  10. Business people quote it in meetings and presentations.
  11. Students learn about it in school history classes.
  12. The quote helps people accept difficult situations.
  13. It reminds us that some problems are universal.
  14. People find comfort in Franklin's honest words.
  15. The saying connects us to American history and wisdom.

Franklin's Final Days and Last Letters

Franklin's Final Days and Last Letters

  1. Franklin was sick when he wrote the death and taxes letter.
  2. He told his friend that he was getting thinner and weaker.
  3. Franklin said he could not expect to live much longer.
  4. He died on April 17, 1790, at age 84.
  5. Franklin lived in Philadelphia when he died.
  6. His last known letter was written to Thomas Jefferson.
  7. The letter was about a boundary dispute between Canada and Maine.
  8. Even when sick, Franklin helped solve important problems.
  9. He remained active in government affairs until the end.
  10. Franklin's death was mourned by people across America.
  11. He was buried in Philadelphia with great honor.
  12. Thousands of people came to his funeral.
  13. Franklin left behind a legacy of wisdom and service.
  14. His quotes and inventions are still remembered today.
  15. The death and taxes quote became his most famous saying.

The American Constitution and Franklin's Role

The American Constitution and Franklin's Role

  1. Franklin helped create the United States Constitution.
  2. The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787.
  3. Franklin was the oldest delegate at the convention.
  4. He helped different states agree on the new government.
  5. Franklin's wisdom brought people together during difficult discussions.
  6. The Constitution was approved on September 17, 1787.
  7. It created the government system America still uses today.
  8. Franklin was proud of the new Constitution.
  9. He believed it would last for many years.
  10. But he also knew that nothing lasts forever.
  11. His death and taxes quote showed this realistic view.
  12. Franklin understood that even good governments can change.
  13. He hoped the Constitution would be durable and strong.
  14. The Constitution has lasted for more than 200 years.
  15. Franklin's prediction about its durability was correct.

Taxes in Franklin's Time and Today

Benjamin Franklin (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
  1. People in Franklin's time paid different kinds of taxes.
  2. The new American government needed money to operate.
  3. Taxes paid for the army, roads, and government services.
  4. Franklin understood that taxes were necessary for society.
  5. He knew people would always complain about paying taxes.
  6. But he also knew taxes would never go away.
  7. Today, people still pay many different taxes.
  8. Income tax, sales tax, and property tax are common.
  9. Americans must file tax returns every year.
  10. Tax day in America is usually April 15th.
  11. People often remember Franklin's quote during tax season.
  12. The quote reminds us that taxes are a fact of life.
  13. Even rich people cannot avoid paying some taxes.
  14. Governments around the world collect taxes from citizens.
  15. Franklin's observation about taxes remains true today.

The Lasting Impact of Franklin's Words

The Lasting Impact of Franklin's Words

  1. Franklin's death and taxes quote is known worldwide.
  2. It appears in dictionaries of famous quotations.
  3. Students study it in American history classes.
  4. The quote teaches us about the certainties of life.
  5. It helps people accept things they cannot change.
  6. Franklin's wisdom continues to guide people today.
  7. The quote shows Franklin's understanding of human nature.
  8. It demonstrates his ability to express complex ideas simply.
  9. People appreciate Franklin's honest and direct approach.
  10. The quote connects past and present generations.
  11. It reminds us that some truths never change.
  12. Franklin's words provide comfort during difficult times.
  13. The quote encourages people to focus on what they can control.
  14. It shows that even great leaders face the same basic realities.
  15. Franklin's legacy lives on through his memorable words and ideas.

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