To the Author of the Pennsylvania Gazette. SIR, As I am a great Lover of all Works of Ingenuity, and the Authors of them, so more especially am I a great Reader and Admirer of those Labours of the Learned, called ALMANACKS. As I am a considerable Proficient in this Sort of Learning; and as at this time…
All posts by Benjamin Franklin
Captain Farra
The same Day arrived Capt.Farra, who has long been given over for lost. In his Voyage from Jamaica hither, he was cast away in Palachee Bay within Cape Florida, among the Cannibal Indians, who were extreamly kind and assisted in saving the Cargo, Rigging, &c.;And News of the Wreck coming to Augustine, the Spaniards sent…
The Drinker’s Dictionary
Nothing more like a Fool than a drunken Man. Poor Richard. ‘Tis an old Remark, that Vice always endeavours to assume the Appearance of Virtue: Thus Covetousness calls itself Prudence; Prodigality would be thought Generosity; and so of others. This perhaps arises hence, that Mankind naturally and universally approve Virtue in their Hearts, and detest Vice; and…
Too Severe Upon Hobbes
To James Logan Having read the Chapter on Moral Good or Virtue, with all the Attention I am Capable of, amidst the many little Cares that Continually infest me, I shall, as the Author Condescends to desire, give my Opinion of it, and that with all Sincerity and Freedom, neither apprehending the Imputation of Flattery…
The Art of Saying Little in Much
Amplification, or the Art of saying Little in Much, seems to be principally studied by the Gentlemen Retainers to the Law. ‘Tis highly useful when they are to speak at the Bar; for by its Help, they talk a great while, and appear to say a great deal, when they have really very little to say.…