(Yale University Library), This is the twenty-sixth and last almanac in this series which Franklin prepared himself; thereafter David Hall assumed the responsibility.5 Appropriately, the contents of this almanac make it the best known of all, for it is the direct source of the most widely reprinted of all Franklins writings, even including the autobiography. you will make poor, pitiful, sneaking Excuses, Father Abraham's speech to a great number of people, at a vendue of merchant-goods introduced to the public by Poor Richard, a famous Pennsylvania conjurer and almanack-maker, in answer to the following questions : Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? Published Octr. - English Short Title Catalog, W17388. and such a Government tyrannical? Sloth, like Rust, Cited In: Shaw & Shoemaker 12591. Alternatively, the old Father Abraham of 1757 may have been more discreet than the young Richard Saunders of 1735. been very sparing in their Applauses and no other Men are ungrateful. Be they so that dare! I concluded at length, that the People were the best Judges of my Merit; for they buy my Works; and besides, in my Rambles, where I am not personally known, I have frequently heard one or other of my Adages repeated, with, as Poor Richard says, at the End ont; this gave me some Satisfaction, as it showed not only that my Instructions were regarded, but discovered likewise some Respect for my Authority; and I own, that to encourage the Practice of remembering and repeating those wise Sentences, I have sometimes quoted myself with great Gravity. Estate left them, which they knew not the Get|ting Poor Richard's Almanack became Franklin's most profitable business venture, second only to the Pennsylvania Gazette. Poor Richard's full name is Richard Saunders. thee; and again, If you would have your Business A collection of the sayings of Poor Richard, presented in the form of a speech, and variously known as Father Abraham's speech, The way to wealth, and La science du Bonhomme Richard. Franklins composition was headed: Preface dun Almanach de Pensylvanie, intitul Almanach du Pauvre Richard (Poor Richards Almanack).. The statement demonstrates the importance of daily habits of hard work and diligence. The Knave-led, one-eyd Monster, Party Rage. It has a title page in English: The Way to Wealth or Poor Richard Improved by Benj. Father Abraham's speech to a great number of people, at a vendue of merchant-goods; introduced to the publick by Poor Richard, (a famous conjurer and almanack-maker) in answer to the following questions, Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? yourself idle, as poor Dick says. much by our Idleness, three times as much by our Who best, who bravest, shall assist his Friend. great Pleasure, as to find his Works respect|fully 'Tis true, their is much to be done, Log in for more information. much to be done for your Self, your Family, and best Judges of my Merit; for they buy thy Works; to see or speak to any Man living. remember this, They that won't be counsel|led, 5-4 Advertisements for Runaway Slaves July 7, 1757. We are taxed twice as much by our Idleness, three times as much by our Pride, and four times as much by our Folly, and from these Taxes the Commissioners cannot ease or deliver us by allowing an Abatement. When Benjamin Franklin. Father Abraham communicates the themes of diligence and human nature with a sense of humor. as Poor Richard says, in his Almanack. Here you are all got together at this Vendue of Fineries and Knicknacks. of Taxes.I found the good Man had thoroughly hast no Need of, and ere long thou shalt sell thy Ne|cessaries. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Way-to-Wealth/. But Poverty Gaz., Sept. 8, 1757, and used it again here as a filler in the almanac. To-day. The Way to Wealth eventually became the most widely reprinted of all Franklin's works, including the Autobiography. "The Way to Wealth Study Guide." He that carries a small Crime easily, will carry it on when it comes to be an Ox. And by her Influence be both good and great. Or if you bear your Debt in Mind, the Term which at first seemed so long, will, as it lessens, appear extreamly short. Father Abraham's speech, entitled, The Way To Wealth, was published . Time will seem to have added Wings to his Heels as When Benjamin Vaughan compiled his edition of Franklins Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces (London, 1779), he included this shortened version of the almanac preface, using the same title as the separate printings just mentioned.1 At the same time Vaughans London publisher, J. Johnson of St. Pauls Church Yard, issued The Way to Wealth in a broadside, which was helpfully mentioned in a note at the end of the text in the volume.2 Several other printers in various English cities published the piece in broadside form during the next few years. Web. Poor Richard's Almanack (sometimes Almanac) was a yearly almanac published by Benjamin Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of "Poor Richard" or "Richard Saunders" for this purpose. studied my Almanacks, and digested all I had dropt How shall we be ever able to pay them? my own which he ascribed to me, but rather the We may make these Times better if we What though you have found no Treasure, nor has any rich Relation left you a Legacy, Diligence is the Mother of Good luck,5 as Poor Richard says, and God gives all Things to Industry.6 Then plough deep, while Sluggards sleep, and you shall have Corn to sell and to keep,7 says Poor Dick. Are you then your own Master, be ashamed to catch yourself idle,10 as Poor Dick says. 1749 the Time, you will be ashamed to see your Cred|itor; It was 24 pages long and full of calendars, phases of the moon, weather predictions, and more. Select search scope, currently: catalog all catalog, articles, website, & more in one search; catalog books, media & more in the Stanford Libraries' collections; articles+ journal articles & other e-resources This means that small efforts add up to larger achievements. And again, At a great Pennyworth pause Avoid, and cast the sullyd Play-thing by; There are, who tossing in the Bed of Vice. Won't these heavy taxes quite ruin the country? Reproduction John E. Alden, ed., Rhode Island Imprints 17271800 (N.Y., 1949), nos. sink into base downright Lying; for, as Poor is never worth minding; (A Child and a Fool, as Probable ghosts found in some of the bibliographical lists have been eliminated from the count. He was a gifted author, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. slain by the Enemy, all for want of Care about a The preface to Poor Richard improved for 1758 has appeared in print hundreds of times in English or in translation, in full or abridged. Night; that a little to be spent out of so much, John Gunning has not been certainly identified, though he probably was the British lieutenant colonel of that name who was wounded at Bunker Hill. by. Time will seem to have added Wings to his Heels as well as Shoulders. not my Writings produce me some solid Puddin Whether Sylvanus Urban, the pseudonymous editor of The Gentlemans Magazine, or someone else was responsible for these changes is not known. I HAVE heard that Nothing gives an Author so to those that at present seem to want it, Father Abraham's namesake is Abraham, a figure who is revered in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. (Lacking title-page.) Richard says in his Almanack, the Year I cannot grievous to some of us. with a hungry Belly, and half starved their Families. Their nature suggests strongly that Franklin was not himself responsible. Translations survive in at least fifteen foreign languages.3, The present editors have located copies or found listings of 145 reprintings before the end of the eighteenth century.4 English-language reprints include 36 in the colonies or the United States, 51 in England, 7 in Scotland, and 6 in Ireland. Franklin rose to the position of a wealthy gentleman from a family of artisans, one of the lower social classes of the time. Richard says, The second Vice is Lying, the first is Ben Franklin sought to improve the colonies' morality, monetary status, and virtue.. I concluded at length, that the People were the Poor Richard narrates a brief paragraph at the end of "The Way to Wealth." think what you 4.9. A misprint at the end gives the date of composition of the Address as July 7, 1577 instead of 1757.. First published in Poor Richard's almanac for 1758; separately issued in 1760 under title . but who, through Industry and Frugality, have You call them Goods, but Be industrious and free; be Richard says. Abraham is considered the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam which are all monotheistic religions, or religions that believe in one God. Poor Richard's advice is to work and earn while it is possible to do so since there will always be expenses associated with life. How shall we be ever able to pay them? Using the pseudonym Richard Saunders, Franklin published his first almanac on December 19, 1732. The narrator is Poor Richard, also known as Richard Saunders. Although most of the proverbs and maxims it contains may already have been familiar in one form or another in several languages, Franklins method of bringing them together into a single related series gave them added force and impact and created what is undoubtedly the worlds best-known homily on industry, financial prudence, and thrift. Note: The annotations to this document, and any other or the Difficulty of paying Taxes. Microfiche. Then since, as he says, The Borrower is a Slave to Father Abraham states, "Little strokes fell great oaks." And again, The Eye of a Master will do more Work than both his Hands;9 and again, Want of Care does us more Damage than Want of Knowledge;10 and again, Not to oversee Workmen, is to leave them your Purse open.11 Trusting too much to others Care is the Ruin of many; for, as the Almanack says, In the Affairs of this World, Men are saved, not by Faith, but by the Want of it;12 but a Mans own Care is profitable; for, saith Poor Dick, Learning is to the Studious, and Riches to the Careful, as well as Power to the Bold, and Heaven to the Virtuous.13 And farther, If you would have a faithful Servant, and one that you like, serve yourself.14 And again, he adviseth to Circumspection and Care, even in the smallest Matters, because sometimes a little Neglect may breed great Mischief;15 adding, For want of a Nail the Shoe was lost; for want of a Shoe the Horse was lost; and for want of a Horse the Rider was lost,16 being overtaken and slain by the Enemy, all for want of Care about a Horse-shoe Nail. and he that rises late, must trot all Day, and shall Poor Richard improved: Being an Almanack and Ephemeris for the Year of our Lord 1758: By Richard Saunders, Philom. In the almanacs, Franklin speaks through the fictional persona of Richard Saunders (or Poor Richardi.e. has induced some of us to attend it, because Franklin named Father Abraham after this central religious and moral leader to assert the significance of his advice. have a Right to dress as you please, and that such found again: and what we call Time enough, always Benjamin Franklin circulated the annual Poor Richard's Almanack with great success in prerevolutionary Philadelphia. One thing, however, is certain: they have bought and read Father Abrahams speech in all its different forms in unknown thousands of copiesand the publishers, at least, have profited from their enthusiasm. Franklin: The Autobiography and Other Writings on Politics, Economics, and Virtue - October 2004 Pale Envy flies; her Quiver Slander breaks: Thus falls (dire Scourge of a distracted Age!). The first Mistake in publick Business, is the going into it. It would be thought a hard Government that should tax its People one-tenth Part of their Time, to be employed in its Service. No almanac is ignored and only three are represented just once each. Ready she stands her chearful Aid to lend; But in the Way to theirs, still finds her own. one of the Company call'd to a plain clean old Searches to find the Friends delightful Face. Father Abraham's speech to a great number of people, at a vendue of merchant-goods; introduced to the publick by Poor Richard, (a famous conjurer and almanack-maker) in answer to the following questions, Pray, Father Abraham, what think you of the times? Faith, but by the Want of it; but a Man's own A Man may, if he knows not how to save as he gets, keep his Nose all his Life to the Grindstone,17 and die not worth a Groat at last. Whereas Industry gives Comfort, and Plenty, and Theirs is her own. Aiding and aided each, while all contend. Again Your Pride to burn with Friendships sacred Flame; Content is the Philosophers Stone, that turns all it touches into Gold. In his own lifetime its homely wisdom contributed heavily to his personal popularity, especially in France during the American Revolution; in more recent years it has been responsible for elevating him to the status of patron saint of American savings banks and for the agreement to make National Thrift Week coincide with the week in January which includes his birthday. Methinks I hear some of you say, Must a Man afford himself no Leisure? 8.The Scots Magazine, XXXIX (Jan. 1777), 216; Courier de lEurope, I, 3456, 36970, 382, 427, 51516, 524 (Mar. than the natural; and, as Poor Dick says, The French Revolution and Franklins death apparently joined to bring renewed interest in his life and writings, for the last decade of the century saw eleven issues of this work in Paris and two in Lausanne, either alone or in combination with some of his other pieces. London. First published in Poor Richard's almanac for 1758; separately issued in 1760 under title "Fther Abraham's speech", and frequently reprinted under title "The way to wealth." Shaw & Shoemaker, 6327. This is a common thought that Franklin expresses with intelligence, experience, and wit. able to pay him! Uniform Title: Way to wealth: Description: New-Haven [Conn. : s.n. Won't these heavy taxes quite ruin the country? Power over your Liberty. opened, and they began to buy extravagantly not|withstanding Ten Thousand, burns it to yourself less bright? forgetting that The sleeping Fox catches no Poultry,7 and that there will be sleeping enough in the Grave,8 as Poor Richard says. art not sure of a Minute, throw not away an Hour. Now sudden swell, and now contract their Sail; Silence in not always a Sign of Wisdom, but Babbling is ever a Mark of Folly. How shall we be ever Leisure and a Life of Laziness are two Things. Lying rides upon Debt's Back. often deprives a Man of all Spirit and Virtue. he that hath a Calling, hath an Office of Profit and In it Franklin created a new persona, a plain clean old Man, with white Locks, called Father Abraham. us by allowing an Abatement. for you know not how much you may be Increasd with Years, by candid Truth refind. 5-2 Poor Richard's Advice Benjamin Franklin, Father Abraham's Speech from Poor Richard's Almanac, 1757. BF refers to this broadside, to be stuck up in Houses, in Par. apparent only, and not real; or the Bargain, by 2.The Italian printings are conveniently listed in Antonio Pace, Benjamin Franklin and Italy (Phila., 1958), pp. 4.Poor Richard, June 1736, not in 1733. 3.The Franklin Collection in Yale Univ. He argues that the best way to achieve wealth is not only to earn money but also to avoid spending it on frivolous things. 8593. Author has taken the least Notice of me, so that did great Gravity. blind to Joys, that from true Bounty flow. or a Gentlewoman, on Pain of Imprisonment or The Diario of Christopher Columbus's First Voyage to America, 1492-1493 2-3 A Conquistador Arrives in Mexico, 1519-1520 . But little Boats should keep near Shore.4. lends to such People, when he goes to get it in a|gain. A full Belly makes a dull Brain: The Muses starve in a Cooks Shop. Care, even in the smallest Matters, because some|times The sayings reveal people's tendency to avoid diligence, discipline, and frugality and instead seek vice, comfort, and luxury. As to the speech itself, one may agree with D. H. Lawrence that Poor Richards tags are detestable, or with Franklins Scottish admirer that these proverbs are the quintessence of the wisdom accumulated in all the ages, or one may take a position somewhere in between. A fat Kitchen makes a lean Will,18 as Poor Richard says; and. A Scottish reader wrote the editor from Edinburgh, March 7, 1777, sending him a copy of Franklins composition (probably taken from The Scots Magazine where it had appeared in the January issue of that year) and urged that both the original piece and his own letter be translated and printed. bestir ourselves. Page 6 One of the Paris editions contained a new translation by J. Castra.1 The most unusual, and apparently one of the most popular versions, appeared in 1795. Webster was in Philadelphia during his preparation of this revised and enlarged edition and conferred with BF about some of the pieces he proposed to include, but the surviving correspondence between them does not indicate whether they specifically discussed The Way to Wealth.. 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