The famous proverb "Time is money" is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, a prominent American Founding Father and polymath. He wrote this phrase in his 1746 essay titled "Advice to a Young Tradesman," where he emphasizes the value of time and encourages young entrepreneurs to be efficient and productive.
Franklin's statement highlights the importance of time management and how effectively utilizing one's time can lead to financial success. He emphasizes that time is a limited resource, and wasting it is equivalent to losing money.
While Franklin is widely credited with popularizing the phrase, it's worth noting that similar ideas were present in earlier writings. For instance, the Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger wrote about the importance of time and its value in his letters, suggesting that "Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend."
Therefore, while the exact origin of the phrase remains unclear, Benjamin Franklin's influential essay significantly contributed to its widespread adoption and enduring relevance.
