Here was buried Thomas Jefferson
Author of the Declaration of American Independence
Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom
And Father of the University of Virginia
Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography (see references below) lists his thirteen virtues as:
Advice on the Choice of a Mistress, by Benjamin Franklin
"In all your amours you should prefer old women to young ones."
"Advice on the Choice of a Mistress, by Benjamin Franklin"
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
In this vigorous, straightforward letter, American statesman and scientist
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) encourages a friend to marry. Failing that,
Franklin says, his friend should favor "old women to young ones."
Advice on the Choice of a Mistress
by Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, June 25, 1745
My dear Friend:
I know of no medicine fit to diminish the violent natural inclinations you
mention; and if I did, I think I should not communicate it to you. Marriage is
the proper remedy. It is the most natural state of man, and therefore the state
in which you are most likely to find solid happiness. Your reasons against
entering into it at present, appear to me not well founded. The circumstantial
advantages you have in View by postponing it, are not only uncertain, but they
are small in comparison with that of the thing itself, the being married and
settled. It is the man and woman united that make the complete human being.
Separate, she wants his force of body and strength of reason; he, her fitness,
sensibility, and acute discernment. Together they are more likely to succeed in
the world. A single man has not nearly the Value he would have in the state of
union. He is an incomplete animal. He resembles the odd half of a pair of
scissors. If you get a prudent healthy wife, your industry in your profession,
with her good economy, will be a fortune sufficient.
But if you will not take this counsel and persist in thinking a commerce with
the sex inevitable, then I repeat my former advice, that in all your amours you
should prefer old women to young ones. You call this a paradox, and demand my
reasons. They are these:
Because as they have more knowledge of the world and their minds are better
stored with observations, their conversation is more improving and more
lastingly agreeable.
Because when women cease to be handsome they study to be good. To maintain their
influence over men, they supply the diminution of beauty by an augmentation of
utility. They learn to do a thousand services small and great, and are the most
tender and useful of all friends when you are sick. Thus they continue amiable.
And hence there is hardly such a thing to be found as an old woman who is not a
good woman.
Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produc'd may be
attended with much inconvenience.
Because through more experience they are more prudent and discreet in conducting
an intrigue to prevent suspicion. The commerce with them is therefore safer with
regard to your reputation. And with regard to theirs, if the affair should
happen to be known, considerate people might be rather inclin'd to excuse an old
woman, who would kindly take care of a young man, form his manners by her good
counsels, and prevent his ruining his health and fortune among mercenary
prostitutes.
Because in every animal that walks upright, the deficiency of the Fluids that
fill the Muscles appears first in the highest Part: The Face first grows lank
and wrinkled; then the neck; then the breast and arms; the lower parts
continuing to the last as plump as ever; so that covering all above with a
basket, and regarding only what is below the girdle, it is impossible of two
women to know an old from a young one. And as in the dark all cats are gray, the
pleasure of corporal enjoyment with an old woman is at least equal, and
frequently superior, every knack being by practice capable of improvement.
Because the sin is less. The debauching a virgin may be her ruin, and make her
for life unhappy.
Because the compunction is less. The having made a young girl miserable may give
you frequent bitter reflection; none of which can attend the making an old woman
happy.
8thly and lastly. They are so grateful!!
Thus much for my paradox. But still I advise you to marry directly; being
sincerely
Your affectionate friend,
B. Franklin
Lifetime Earnings - $500,000
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