In this Thanksgiving special, the podcast hosts discuss Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack. They explore Franklin's life and influence, the success of the almanac, and its quirky sayings. Reflecting on aging, they discuss aphorisms from the almanac and the concept of eccentricity, using Franklin as an example.
Reading through Poor Richard's Almanac offers insights into Benjamin Franklin's perspective on austerity, work ethic, and personal judgment.
Poor Richard's Almanac presents clever aphorisms that satirize astrology, prediction, and the idea of finding good information in such almanacs.
Deep dives
Insights on Benjamin Franklin and Poor Richard's Almanac
Benjamin Franklin, a prominent figure in American history, is often perceived as the fun-loving and non-conventional founding father. He was born in Boston and later moved to Philadelphia, where he spent most of his life and eventually became an ambassador to France. Franklin published Poor Richard's Almanac, a highly successful pamphlet with print runs of 10,000 copies. The almanac, attributed to a fictional character named Richard Saunders, is filled with aphorisms and witty sayings. Reading through the almanac reveals contradictions and ironies in Franklin's advice. Some aphorisms are clever but lack substantial meaning, resembling a Twitter feed. Others touch on topics like astrology, predictions, and dieting recommendations, displaying Franklin's wit and ability to entertain readers. While the almanac contains a mix of wisdom and nonsense, it offers insights into Franklin's perspective on austerity, work ethic, and personal judgment.
The Charm and Quirkiness of Poor Richard's Almanac
Poor Richard's Almanac, published by Benjamin Franklin, is known for its folksy charm and unconventional character. The almanac presents itself as a collection of aphorisms by a fictional poor Richard Saunders, a character lacking qualifications to provide advice. However, this irony adds depth and cleverness to the aphorisms in the almanac. Franklin satirizes astrology, prediction, and the idea of finding good information in such almanacs. He also uses the almanac as a platform to joke about himself, including his rumored non-existence. Towards the end of the almanac's run, Franklin's tone becomes somber, reminiscent of a farewell speech. Some aphorisms, such as those about women and lawyers, reflect a level of misogyny and skepticism. Despite its quirks and contradictions, Poor Richard's Almanac remains a fascinating piece of literature that requires interpretation and appreciation for its cleverness.
Themes and Observations Found in Poor Richard's Almanac
Poor Richard's Almanac covers various themes such as frugality, self-discipline, and the importance of hard work. Many aphorisms emphasize the value of being austere and cautious with money. Franklin's observations encourage readers to be mindful of their appetites and learn to control them. He also touches on topics like recognizing one's limits, caring for one's teeth, and understanding oneself as essential aspects of personal growth. The almanac contains practical advice, like making wine from wild grapes, and unique perspectives on matching colors in meals for a well-rounded diet. Overall, the almanac offers a mixture of charming and perplexing sayings, providing readers with food for thought and inviting them to reflect on societal norms and personal values.
Fish and visitors stink in three days, but podcasts are evergreen! Dan and Rob return for the annual Thanksgiving nonsense with Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack (1732-1758).
Facsimiles of most of the pages of most of the editions of Poor Richard are available here.
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