Notes from Reading: Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack by Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin is considered as father of modern America. His versatile expertise and contribution in Literature, politics, science, philosophy, law and many other areas helped in re-shaping America. He was a prolific reader as well as writer, a true believer of virtues.

In early days he wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack,  it holds true even in 21st Century. It covers Benjamin’s take on various aspect of life, making friends,earning, eating, health and many more.

 

These are some noted from the Poor Richard’s Almanack:

1. A Man in a Passion rides a mad Horse.
2. Anger warms the Invention, but overheats the Oven.
3. Neglect kills Injuries, Revenge increases them. If you would be reveng’d of your enemy, govern yourself.
4. You may be too cunning for One, but not for All.
5. Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich Men poor.
6. Discontented Minds, and Fevers of the Body are not to be cured by changing Beds or Businesses.
7. He that sells upon trust, loses many friends, and always wants money.
8. Employ thy time well, if thou meanest to gain leisure.
9. Laziness travels so slowly that Poverty soon overtakes him.
10. Dine with little, sup with less: Do better still: sleep supperless.
11. A full Belly is the Mother of all Evil.
12. Eat to live; live not to eat.
13. When the Wine enters, out goes the Truth.
14. Nothing more like a Fool, than a drunken Man.
15. He that would travel much, should eat little. Drink Water, Put the Money in your Pocket, and leave the Dry-bellyach in the Punchbowl.
16. A full Belly makes a dull Brain.
17. Fools need Advice most, but wise Men only are the better for it.
18. To whom thy secret thou dost tell, to him thy freedom thou dost sell.
19. There are three faithful friends—an old wife, an old dog, and ready money.
20. A true Friend is the best Possession.
21. Be slow in choosing a Friend, slower in changing.
22. The learned Fool writes his Nonsense in better Language than the unlearned; but still ’tis Nonsense.

I would strongly recommend everyone to buy a copy of this book and keep it as bed side story and read it again and again for a better life. 🙂