Proverbs to Cherish: ‘An Ounce of Prevention’

Ben Franklin is to thank for this time-honored proverb, which applies to so many aspects of life

A fire engine purchased by George Washington in 1775 in Philadelphia, at the Friendship Fire Co. in Alexandria. Va. Library of Congress

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is one of those proverbs that many only half-know. In fact, probably most people can only recite, “An ounce of prevention.”

The story behind this proverb and its potential for diverse application are fascinating.