“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self.”

— Benjamin Franklin

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“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one's self.”

(January 17 , 1706 -- Present)
Meaning
Franklin uses this specific phrasing to emphasize a fundamental truth about human potential and civic responsibility. Corporate executives and dedicated self-starters alike should thoroughly internalize this perspective to avoid mediocrity. Whenever you are assessing risk or deciding how to allocate your limited daily energy, this rule acts as a perfect cognitive filter. This connects deeply to his core ethos: accepting total responsibility for your circumstances and time is the ultimate prerequisite for designing a prosperous life.
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Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is a widely quoted figure. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

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This quote is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin is a widely quoted figure. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

Franklin uses this specific phrasing to emphasize a fundamental truth about human potential and civic responsibility. Corporate executives and dedicated self-starters alike should thoroughly internalize this perspective to avoid mediocrity. Whenever you are assessing risk or deciding how to allocate your limited daily energy, this rule acts as a perfect cognitive filter. This connects deeply to his core ethos: accepting…

The wording and attribution are documented at britannica.com. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.

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