Franklin personifies today as a pupil being taught by yesterday. The image suggests that present judgement should be informed by previous experience. Events that have already happened provide evidence about what worked, what failed and what consequences followed, allowing later decisions to be made with greater understanding.

The saying does not imply that the past provides simple answers to every present problem, since circumstances can change and earlier lessons may not transfer directly. Its broader point is that experience becomes useful when it is examined and applied. Yesterday cannot be altered, but it can serve as a source of instruction for today. Franklin therefore presents learning as a continuing process in which reflection on past actions helps people adapt, correct mistakes and make more informed choices in the present.