However, a similar phrase "The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long" is often attributed to Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher who lived around the 6th century BC.
It's important to note that there's no definitive proof that Lao Tzu actually said this, but it's widely associated with him and reflects his philosophical ideas about life and balance.
So, while the exact wording "candle burns at both ends" might not have a specific author, the idea behind it is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and philosophy.