Submitted by: aka.attrition
Why do we save wisdom?
Because it is fleeting and one of the most rare things.
We save wisdom because of the life lived to produce it should not be lost in time.
Join us and save your wisdom at https://t.co/E0WjzMW7Fy.
Here is just one single snapshot of wisdom: pic.twitter.com/KKjb2bGlmk
— Brian Roemmele (@BrianRoemmele) January 29, 2024
“Watch a cat stalk its prey. He moves low and slow and silent, keeping to the shadows. He can freeze in mid-step, never off balance. He moves when the prey looks away and freezes when the prey looks in his direction. He knows how close he has to be to ensure a kill. He springs his attack with overpowering violence. Watch and learn.”
“Your life’s story is made of results, not intentions.”
“You can’t find what you’re not looking for.”
“You may do whatever you wish, if you know your personal cost and are prepared to pay it without complaint.”
The more I read about Ben Franklin, the more I like him. I like his philosophy about individuality and community. I like his practical views on religion. And I really like his views on hard work, saving, and living your life as an example for others. He was against government helping those who didn’t attempt to help themselves. Private charity would take care of the truly needy. He distrusted authority. He was cynical and skeptical. He was an anarchist. He was relentless in pursuing the truth. He knew how to use words and ideas to change opinions. He was a revolutionary who was willing to give his life for his country.
He lived in Philadelphia most of his life and published Poor Richard’s Almanack from 1732 until 1758. The Almanack contained the calendar, weather, poems, sayings and astronomical and astrological information that a typical almanac of the period would contain. Franklin also included the occasional mathematical exercise, and the Almanack from 1750 features an early example of demographics. It is chiefly remembered, however, for being a repository of Franklin’s aphorisms and proverbs, many of which live on in American English. These maxims typically counsel thrift and courtesy, with a dash of cynicism.
He founded the college where I am employed. The statue below is just outside the building where I work. I pass it every morning.
A few years ago they were replacing the walkway along Locust Walk and 37th Street. One of the classes donated money to have concrete slabs inserted along the walk with Franklin sayings from his Almanack. Every morning I walk over the saying below and it has inspired me to keep fighting when I’ve thought about shutting TBP down. There is no time to waste. Our kids and grand kids futures depend upon us doing the right thing.
Below are many more witty, wise and sometimes cynical sayings that appeared in Poor Richard’s Almanack over its 25 year publication time. Enjoy.
He’s a fool that makes his doctor his heir.
Eat to live, and not live to eat.
He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.
Where there’s marriage without love, there will be love without marriage.
Necessity never made a good bargain.
There’s more old drunkards than old doctors.
A good example is the best sermon.
None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.
A Penny saved is Twopence clear.
When the well’s dry we know the worth of water.
The sleeping fox catches no poultry.
The used key is always bright.
He that lives on hope dies fasting.
Diligence is the mother of good luck.
He that pursues two hares at once does not catch one and lets the other go.
Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices.
Kings and bears often worry their keepers.
Haste makes waste.
Make haste slowly.
He who multiplies riches multiplies cares.
He’s a fool that cannot conceal his wisdom.
No gains without pains.
Vice knows she’s ugly, so puts on her mask.
The most exquisite folly is made of wisdom spun too fine.
Love your enemies, for they will tell you your faults.
The sting of a reproach is the truth of it.
There’s a time to wink as well as to see.
Genius without education is like silver in the mine.
There was never a good knife made of bad steel.
Half the truth is often a great lie.
God helps them that helps themselves.
Grave men are taken by the common people for wise men.
The general foible of mankind is in the pursuit of wealth to no end.
