As we celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday, we often think of the founders who sacrificed so much so Americans could be free.
Many of our founders were also business owners. Here is some advice they had for entrepreneurs. One note: several men considered founding fathers, including George Washington and James Madison, did not actually sign the Declaration of Independence. At the time it was signed in Philadelphia, Washington was in New York, leading the Continental Army.
John Adams
“Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.”
Benjamin Franklin
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.”
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
Thomas Jefferson
“Agriculture, manufactures, commerce and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise.”
James Madison
“The circulation of confidence is better than the circulation of money.”
George Washington
“Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”
“A people…who are possessed of the spirit of commerce, who see and who will pursue their advantages may achieve almost anything.”
Of course, we cannot forget the founding mothers, some of whom kept the family business running while their husbands were otherwise occupied.
Abigail Adams
“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and diligence.”
“Great difficulties may be surmounted by patience and perseverance.”
Betsy Ross
“I am not certain if I can; at least I’ll gladly try.”
Mercy Otis Warren
“The waves have rolled upon me, the billows are repeatedly broken over me, yet I am not sunk down.”
Martha Washington
“The greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not our circumstances.”
Declaration stock image by Mike Flippo/Shutterstock
