Philadelphia, PA…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 Richard’s Almanac helped create the unique American identity in a homey, common sense, aspirational way. A few Bits of Wisdom from 1743…

1743

Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly: Men freely ford that see the shallows.
How few there are who have courage enough to own their Faults, or resolution enough to mend them!
Men differ daily, about things which are subject to Sense, is it likely then they should agree about things invisible?
Mark with what insolence and pride, Blown Bufo takes his haughty stride; As if no toad was toad beside.
In prosperous fortunes be modest and wise, The greatest may fall, and the lowest may rise: But insolent People that fall in disgrace, Are wretched and no-body pities their Case.
The World is full of fools and faint hearts; and yet every one has courage enough to bear the misfortunes, and wisdom enough to manage the Affairs of his neighbor.
Beware, beware! he’ll cheat ‘without scruple, who can without fear.
Content and Riches seldom meet together, Riches take thou, contentment I had rather.
Speak with contempt of none, from slave to king, The meanest Bee hath, and will use, a sting.
The church the state, and the poor, are 3 daughters which we should maintain, but not portion off.
A little well-gotten will do us more good, Than lordships and scepters by Rapine and Blood.
Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly: Men freely ford that see the shallows.
Tis easy to frame a good bold resolution; but hard is the Task that concerns execution.
Cold & cunning come from the north: But cunning sans wisdom is nothing worth.
Ah, simple Man! when a boy two precious jewels were given thee, Time, and good Advice; one thou hast lost, and the other thrown away.
The sleeping Fox catches no poultry. Up! up!
If you’d be wealthy, think of saving, more than of getting: The Indies have not made Spain rich, because her Outgoes equal her Incomes.
Experience keeps a dear school, yet Fools will learn in no other.
How many observe Christ’s Birth-day! How few, his Precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.