# Benjamin Franklin — "energy and persistence" > [!quote] "Energy and persistence conquer all things." > — Attributed to Benjamin Franklin, commonly cataloged among his maxims (primary source not pinned) > [!warning] Disputed attribution > Conventionally attributed to Franklin but no primary source (a specific Poor Richard's Almanack edition or letter) has been pinned. Cite as "attributed to Franklin," never flatly as his words. See Verification below. ## Context A maxim on perseverance long attributed to Benjamin Franklin and frequently quoted in the spirit of his Poor Richard's-style aphorisms on industry and self-improvement. Attribution to Franklin is widespread but the exact primary source is not firmly established — hence `disputed: true` pending a confirmed citation. ## Why this matters The line is invoked across the political spectrum as shorthand for grind, civic effort, and not giving up — which is exactly why it belongs in a quote system built for accurate attribution. Within this KB it also anchors the founders-as-antecedents framing: the founding generation's defining act was sustained, persistent resistance to tyranny, and this maxim distills the temperament behind it. ## Verification Attribution to Franklin is conventional but unconfirmed; no specific Poor Richard's Almanack edition or letter has been firmly pinned as the source. Cite as "attributed to" rather than flatly as Franklin's words. ## Related - [[Benjamin Franklin]] - [[Resistance Hub]]