Philadelphia, PA…(We got out of rhythm of posting during the Gann Fire. Picking back up where we left off) Our Favorite Founding Father is Ben Franklin. He didn’t just help found our country during the 1776 era. For two generations before he helped sell concepts of Freedom, Self-Determination & Inalienable rights. From 1733 to 1758 Poor Richards Almanac helped create the unique American identity in a homey, common sense, aspirational way. A few Bits of Wisdom from 1741…
1741
Learn of the skilful: He that teaches himself, hath a fool for his master.
Best is the Tongue that feels the rein:– He that talks much, must talk in vain;
We from the wordy torrent fly: Who listens to the chattering Pye?
Anger and Folly walk cheek by jole; Repentance treads on both their Heels.
Be always asham’d to catch thy self idle.
Lying rides upon Debt’s back.
They who have nothing to be troubled at, will be troubled at nothing.
If evils come not, then our fears are vain: And if they do, Fear but augments the pain.
If you would keep your Secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend.
Up, Sluggard, and waste not life; in the grave will be sleeping enough.
There are no fools so troublesome as those that have wit.
Quarrels never could last long, If on one side only lay the wrong.
Let no Pleasure tempt thee, no Profit allure thee, no Ambition corrupt thee, no Example sway thee, no Persuasion move thee, to do any thing which thou knowest to be Evil; So shalt thou always jollily: for a good Conscience is a continual Christmas. Adieu.
A Bit of Wisdom from the 1741 Poor Richard’s Almanac (American Dream Origins Day Nine) added by admin on
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Ben went to Europe mainly France with his son for 20 years. Ate fine food, sampled the ladies, and entertained the royal court.
The platitudes quotes reek of hypocrisy.
As with many, lofty words are almost unattainable.
He was an exceptional American , gifted in many skills , He leaves a legacy to be emulated, one of the great in the birth of our nation.
Much of Poor Richard was written and published while Ben was still on the rise as a businessman. So yes, he enjoyed his wealth later on but that still doesn’t make his advice when he was less wealthy any less valid.
An interesting side note is that the Colonists were more literate, better read and better educated (Even if self-educated) than the British at the time of the revolution. I think old Ben had something to do with that as Poor Richards was second only to the Bible in sales during some of the years it was in print.