What Does "He That Can Have Patience Can Have What He Will" Mean?

"He that can have patience can have what he will." This powerful Benjamin Franklin quote suggests that patience isn't just a passive virtue—it's the key to achieving anything you truly want.

In an age of instant gratification, same-day delivery, and 30-second videos, Franklin's insight feels almost countercultural. Yet the most significant achievements still require years of patient effort.

Key Takeaways

• The quote means persistent patience leads to achievement
• Franklin advocated active patience—working while waiting, not passive hoping
• Patience allows you to take the long view and shape circumstances over time
• Combined with perseverance, patience has a "magical effect" on obstacles
• Franklin lived this—his 13 virtues took years of patient practice

Origin of the Quote

"He that can have patience can have what he will."

This quote appeared in Poor Richard's Almanack, Franklin's annual publication of practical wisdom. For more from this source, see our collection of Poor Richard's quotes.

What the Quote Means

The meaning operates on several levels:

"He That Can Have Patience"

Note the phrasing: "can have" patience—not "is naturally patient." Franklin implies patience is a skill that can be developed, not just an inborn trait.

"Can Have What He Will"

The patient person can achieve their goals ("what he will"). This isn't magical thinking—it's recognition that most worthwhile goals require sustained effort over time.

The Logic Behind It

• Most people give up before reaching their goals
• Patience allows you to outlast obstacles
• Compound effects require time to materialize
• Mastery in any field takes years, not months

Active vs. Passive Patience

This quote does not advocate passive waiting:

Passive Patience (Wrong Interpretation)

• Waiting for things to happen
• Hoping circumstances change
• Enduring without action

Active Patience (Franklin's Meaning)

• Working toward goals even when progress is slow
• Maintaining a positive attitude through difficulties
• Continuing to improve incrementally
• Taking the long view on achievement

Franklin connected patience with his Resolution virtue: "Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve." Resolution provides direction; patience provides endurance.

Patience in Franklin's Life

Franklin practiced extraordinary patience in multiple areas:

His 13 Virtues System

Franklin's virtue improvement program required years of patient practice. He focused on one virtue per week, cycling through all 13 repeatedly. He knew perfection was impossible but pursued gradual improvement.

Diplomatic Career

As ambassador to France, Franklin spent nearly a decade patiently building alliances crucial for American independence. Diplomacy required years of careful relationship-building.

Scientific Experiments

His famous kite experiment was preceded by years of patient observation and experimentation with electricity. Scientific discovery required methodical patience.

Business Success

Franklin built his printing business over decades, retiring wealthy in his 40s—but only after years of patient industry and frugality.

Applying Patience Today

1. Define Your "What He Will"

What do you want to achieve? Be specific. Patience without direction is just waiting. Active patience requires knowing where you're going.

2. Accept the Timeline

Most worthwhile goals take longer than expected. Accept this upfront. Financial independence, career mastery, fitness transformation—all require years, not months.

3. Focus on Process, Not Just Outcome

Patience becomes easier when you enjoy the journey. Franklin found satisfaction in daily virtue practice, not just eventual perfection.

4. Track Progress Incrementally

Patient effort accumulates. Track small wins. Franklin reviewed his virtue chart weekly to see gradual improvement. See our post on developing patience for specific practices.

5. Practice Delayed Gratification

Actively choose long-term rewards over short-term pleasures. This builds patience as a skill.

Track Your Virtue Practice

Use our Ben Franklin Virtues app to practice patience through the Moderation and Resolution virtues. Consistent tracking builds the patience muscle.