Nothing is certain except death and taxes.
Comment on the inevitability of death and taxes
Benjamin Franklin humorously remarked that "Nothing is certain except death and taxes," in a letter reflecting on the new U.S. Constitution. This quip encapsulates Franklin’s wit and his philosophical reflection on life’s certainties. Over time, this phrase has permeated popular culture and discourse as a common saying to express the inevitability of certain aspects of life. Franklin’s multifaceted legacy as a scientist, diplomat, and philosopher is often punctuated with such insightful and pithy observations, highlighting his profound understanding of human nature and society.
Background
Benjamin Franklin
Founding Father and Inventor
In a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy, 1789
