Quotations and Literature Forum

It's noted as "anonymous" but was actually coined by Ben Franklin in his Poor Richard's Almanac.

It's an old saying, in various forms, with a long history:

To the man who himself strives earnestly, God also lends a helping hand~Aeschylus, Persae (472 BC)

If thou wilt lift the load, I will lift it too~Babylonian Talmud: Baba Kamma (c. 450)

Help thyself and God will help thee~George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum (1640).

Use your own hand instead of calling upon fortune~Plutarch, Moralia: Customs of the Spartans (c. AD 95)

The gods do help the doer~Erasmus (1545)

God helps those that help themselves~Ben Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack (1733). Current form

God cannot give us any other than self-help~Thoreau, Autumn (1840).

Many of Frankilin's sayings have come from early history.

Is that implying that he only helps them or what??

Possibly, but I think it goes further than that. When you try to help yourself you tend to get yourself into places and positions where you meet other people who may be sympathetic to your problem.

Doing nothing seems to be self-fulfilling. Do nothing and nothing will happen.

TRUE- SO GOD HELPS EVERYONE -NO MATTER IF THEY WANT HIS HELP OR NOT....

But if he was the first to phrase the idea that way, why not give him credit?

<font color="red">hi to all. im new so be nice hehe
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Doing nothing seems to be self-fulfilling. Do nothing and nothing will happen.

I agree with you. It's really true.

My God is so good at helping those who don't help themselves as well. He is good to all people, even those who can't or who are feeling so defeated and down and out. He will send others to help lift the load, to motivate offering reassurance and compassion to all, even to those who say they don't believe. We do nothing by our own might. But we are so quick to take the credit.

It is been noted as anonymous because it was in the Aesop’s fables in the story of Hercules. It was the exact same words. And also there were some arguments about it being in the bible, but not the same words. Again if he is the first to copy it does mean that it is his quote. That is my opinion about it.

I guess you are right Willy. I can't remember the specific verse but it was mentioned in the bible. Well for me the most important thing to do is apply the principle in our lives.

Sounds like the path toward Enlightenment.

Sounds nice but its not true!
God helps the helpless, heals the sick, finds the lost and guides the blind.

How come then there are still people that need help, are dting or sick, have fucked up their life or have no idea on which direction they are going