Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were
The venerable Benjamin Franklin, a sage among men and a founder of nations, once spoke with timeless clarity: “Work as if you were to live a hundred years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.” Within this saying lies the harmony of two worlds—the earthly and the divine, the temporal and the eternal. It teaches balance, urging mortals to act with diligence in their daily labors while never forgetting the fragile thread upon which life hangs.
To work as though one were to live a hundred years is to build with patience and foresight. It calls for steady effort, the planting of seeds whose fruit may not be tasted in one’s lifetime. Such work is not rushed by greed or fear, but done with care, wisdom, and endurance. It speaks of responsibility, of leaving behind a legacy for future generations, just as a mighty oak grows slowly, spreading its roots deep into the earth so that others may find shade beneath its branches.
To pray as though one were to die tomorrow is to keep the soul ever awake and humbled. For death comes like a thief in the night, and no mortal knows the hour of its arrival. Such prayer is not mere ritual, but a pouring forth of the heart, filled with gratitude, repentance, and longing for what lies beyond the veil. It is a reminder that while the body labors in the world, the spirit must always be ready to depart.
The origin of these words springs from Franklin’s life as a man of both action and reflection. He was a builder of communities, a seeker of knowledge, and a believer in divine providence. Through this wisdom, he taught that to neglect one’s work is to squander the gifts of life, but to neglect one’s soul is to risk eternal loss. Thus, the two must walk hand in hand, like the sun and moon guiding the rhythm of the days.
Let this teaching be passed to future generations: labor as though time stretches endlessly before you, yet hold each breath as though it were your last. For in this balance of work and prayer, of earth and heaven, lies the true art of living—a life that leaves a mark upon the world while remaining ever ready to return to the Source.
ANHai Anh Nguyen
This quote from Benjamin Franklin seems to sum up a mindset that blends the best of both worlds: hard work and spiritual reflection. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of daily life and forget that our time is limited. Franklin’s words challenge me to ask, how often do I live like I have all the time in the world versus living with urgency and gratitude? How can I bring more intention into both my work and spiritual life?
Ppikachu
Benjamin Franklin’s quote speaks to the tension between ambition and mindfulness. On one hand, it encourages us to work diligently, as if we have an infinite amount of time. On the other, it reminds us to stay humble, as life is uncertain. How do we keep that balance? Is it about being present and grounded in the moment, yet still setting goals for the future? How can we ensure we are both effective in our work and peaceful in our souls?
TTThuy Than
I find Franklin’s quote inspiring, but also a bit challenging. How do you live with the idea that you may die tomorrow while also dedicating yourself to work as if you’ll live a hundred years? Does this idea mean we should put everything into our work or do we take time for spiritual reflection and self-care? How can we live with urgency without burning out or losing sight of our deeper purpose?
HLkim hien luong-7a4
Franklin’s quote really makes me think about how we tend to approach life with either urgency or procrastination. Working as if we had a century to live could encourage us to invest deeply in our work, but praying as if tomorrow is our last brings a sense of immediacy and mindfulness. How can we integrate these contrasting ideas into our daily lives? Is it about focusing on the task at hand while remembering to live intentionally and with purpose?
CLdtn co lon
I really like how this quote by Franklin calls for both perseverance and humility. It suggests that we should dedicate ourselves to our work with the mindset of longevity, yet also remember the fragility of life and stay spiritually connected. Is it possible to live both of these approaches at once, or do they sometimes conflict? How do we maintain focus on long-term work while staying mindful of the fleeting nature of time?