Posted on 08/10/2004 8:45:56 PM PDT by pubmom
According to Benjamin Franklin himself, many of the proverbs and aphorisms found in "Poor Richard's Almanack" were gleaned from the "wisdom of the ages and nations." In the dictums and maxims that follow, one hears echoes of the Bible, the ancients, and collections of proverbs readily available in Franklin's own time. Yet, in recrafting many older sayings, Franklin, who was among other things an inventor and musician, brought new design and melody to timeworn truisms. Franklin once created a list of 13 virtues to live by. This baker's dozen included temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. The reader will see these virtues emphasized again and again in these quotes culled from Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanack."
Did Franklin himself listen to Poor Richard's advice? Sometimes. Sometimes not.
"Be temperate in wine, in eating, girls, and cloth, or the Gout will seize you and plague you both," Franklin wrote. Franklin relished his food, basked in the company of women, and at times used items of apparel to influence the way people perceived him. And, indeed, gout plagued Franklin for much of his life.
One thing that makes these aphorisms so compelling is that Franklin, while divine in apprehension, was in action very much a mortal. Take these morsels in moderation -- Franklin would have it no other way.
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Eat to live, and not live to eat.
After three days men grow weary, of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.
Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.
Fish and visitors stink after three days.
To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish.
Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.
What you seem to be, be really.
Tim was so learned, that he could name a horse in nine Languages. So ignorant, that he bought a cow to ride on.(This made me think of Teraaayzza.)
People who are wrapped up in themselves make small packages.
He that speaks much, is much mistaken.
Glass, China, and Reputation, are easily crack'd, and never well mended.
Silence is not always a Sign of Wisdom, but Babbling is ever a folly.
To be proud of virtue, is to poison yourself with the Antidote.
New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey sits with his daughter Jacqueline at the New Jersey Delegation breakfast during the Democratic Convention, July 28, 2004, in Boston. In a stunning declaration, McGreevey announced his resignation Thursday Aug. 12, 2004 and acknowledged that he had an extramarital affair with another man. (AP Photo/Novartis, Michael Dwyer)
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Julia Child's gone to heaven.
As a Republican woman I vow to never be crass and tell a reporter to "shove it", even though I have had plenty of reason to do just that.
Stay dry back there, SL.
Laundry duty calls here. ;-)
Democratic presidential nominee Senator John Kerry (news - web sites) (D-MA) (left) waves to supporters of President George W. Bush (news - web sites) (right) who are waving signs and chanting pro-Bush slogans, while greeting his own supporters (left rear) during a brief campaign stop in Baker, California, near Death Valley where the Kerry campaign stopped for ice cream, August 11, 2004. Kerry was campaigning in Nevada and California Wednesday as part of the 'Believe in America' coast to coast tour which started in Boston following the Democratic National Convention. REUTERS/Mike Segar US ELECTIONWind surfing, skiing, snow shoeing, kite surfing, biking, hockey, baseball, football and now... leaping over concrete burms in a single bound.
Muffy (that's got to be her name) is in need of a supportive undergarment.
Thanks for the information and linkage...as I commented elsewhere, her self-deprecating sense of good humor made viewers out of many, who could care less about the meals or the food.
What a hoot she could be.
Better start looking for my water wings and snorkle.
Yikes! Stay safe.
Where is Kerry with that windsurf board when you need him?
Oh my.
Hunker Down, Dearie. It doesn't look good.
Prayers going up for all who are in danger.
A supportive undergarment? You mean like a bucket truck? :)
S, Batten down your hatches, prayers for your safety during the storm.
Let us know that you're safe and sound!
In other news, I found this commentary by a DNC volunteer (photo below, left) to be interesting reading.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
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