--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and…" description: "\"Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a7/benjamin-franklin-65_affair_gentlemen-i-have-lived-a-long-time-and-a_2120203.png" --- # Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and am convinced that… ![“Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I move that prayer imploring the assistance of Heaven be held every morning before we…” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a7/benjamin-franklin-65_affair_gentlemen-i-have-lived-a-long-time-and-a_2120203.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a7/benjamin-franklin-65_affair_gentlemen-i-have-lived-a-long-time-and-a_2120203.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a7/benjamin-franklin-65_affair_gentlemen-i-have-lived-a-long-time-and-a_2120203.png) > “Gentlemen, I have lived a long time and am convinced that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I move that prayer imploring the assistance of Heaven be held every morning before we proceed to business.” [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote suggests that divine providence influences all events, from tiny creatures to great empires, and that seeking God's help before work is wise. **In simple terms:** God guides even small things; we should pray before acting. Key Takeaway Seek divine guidance before decisions. Themes faith divine providence humility Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - business meetings - personal decisions - political assemblies - daily routines Key Concepts theocracy spiritual dependence Questions to Reflect On - Do you think prayer changes outcomes? - How does belief in providence affect responsibility? A Different Perspective Assumes a single deity controls outcomes, which may not align with secular views. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Affair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affair/) [Empires](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/empires/) [Every morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-morning/) [Gentleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman/) [Heaven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Morning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morning/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Sparrows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sparrows/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-franklin/i-have-lived-sir-a-long-time-and-the-longer-i-live-the-more-2/) [Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-franklin/) > [The longer I live the more convinced I become that God governs in the affairs of men. 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