Mr. Unlucky’s Almanack

I finally made my way back to “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” which I venture I should do ever so often if I’m going to call this blog my vehicle to update Ben Franklin’s seminal work.

Now, in this second section, Franklin does admit that he had more–or less-than doing “publick good” in mind in penning his almanack. Indeed, he notes that his wife may well have left him had he not quit gazing at the stars and done something to make money (no doubt he had plenty already, but the point is made). Hence, “Poor Richard’s Almanack” in its many revisions and printings. What a cottage industry! (I should be so lucky; however, I’m not called Mr. Unlucky for nothing.)

Now, for those of you who still maintain a mythical perspective on Ben Franklin, consider this aphorism that I found sprinkled amongst many others in part two:

Love well, whip well.

Now, does that tell you something about the man and his times, or what?

(As will my $600 rat story if I ever muster the courage to tell it!)

You Might Also Like:

• ‘Poor Richard’–Second Observation
• Football, Taxes and Ben Franklin
• Unluck Strikes Again
• First Observation, Continued
• To Suffer Fools Not So Gladly

Posted in Almanack Musings |