---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He that hath a trade hath an estate; and…"
description: "\"He that hath a trade hath an estate; and he that hath a calling hath a place of profit and honor. A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/benjamin-franklin-65_calling_he-that-hath-a-trade-hath-an-estate-and_103958.png"
---

#  He that hath a trade hath an estate; and he that hath a…

![“He that hath a trade hath an estate; and he that hath a calling hath a place of profit and honor. A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees.” quote by Benjamin Franklin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/benjamin-franklin-65_calling_he-that-hath-a-trade-hath-an-estate-and_103958.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/benjamin-franklin-65_calling_he-that-hath-a-trade-hath-an-estate-and_103958.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1b6/benjamin-franklin-65_calling_he-that-hath-a-trade-hath-an-estate-and_103958.png)

> “He that hath a trade hath an estate; and he that hath a calling hath a place of profit and honor. A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees.”

[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.

A skilled laborer gains respect and profit through work; physical effort can be more honorable than idle status.

**In simple terms:** Work earns honor more than titles.

Key Takeaway

Labor confers dignity.

Themes

Work ethic Social class Dignity Economics

Mood

Motivational Respectful

Type

Proverb Social observation

When to use this quote

- Career counseling
- Entrepreneurial ventures
- Community service

Key Concepts

Meritocracy Value of manual labor

Practical Applications

- Value and develop practical skills regardless of social rank
- Recognize contributions of all work types in team settings

Questions to Reflect On

- How does modern society measure honor versus profit?
- Can status ever be divorced from productive work?

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[Estates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/estates/) [Gentleman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gentleman/) [Honor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/honor/) [Profit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/profit/) [Trade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trade/)

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