When we think about Benjamin Franklin, we think about the historical hero who was at forefront in the development of American Constitution or a Scientist whose experiments led to great discoveries, or even a Statesman who worked for the people. But he was also a writer. A printer, as he liked to be known. He wrote plenty of sincere things, but there were also other essays and articles which shows a little different side of Benjamin Franklin.
“Advice To A Friend On Choosing A Mistress” from 1745 is one such interesting piece of writing. It is unclear whether this was seriously written or humorously, but regardless it is a side of Franklin that surprised me when I first read it.
It is a letter addressed to “My dear Friend,” advising him that the best state for a man to be is married; though if he must have a mistress then he ought to have an older woman as opposed to a younger one. After this declaration, Franklin lists several reasons justifying his recommendation to his friend. The most provocative ones were Number 5, and Number 8.
Number 5.“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 grey, the Pleasure of corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every Knack being by Practice capable of Improvement.”
Number 5.“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 grey, the Pleasure of corporal Enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every Knack being by Practice capable of Improvement.”
Number 8.“[thly and lastly] They are so grateful!”
“They” in Number 8, being the old women - who must find some gratification in being mistresses to the younger men. Though there is no agreement amongst the scholars as to the seriousness of this letter, I am inclined to think that this does reflect on Franklin’s personal views. Through his biography, along with his high moral character, his hardworking methods and his principles, what is also evident is that Franklin was ambitious. He had always aspired to monetary comforts and believed that he would get through hard labour. He was also proud of his own achievements, and there is a little coldness to his character. It is by no means diminishes his achievements or him. In fact, I think it makes it even more evident that Franklin was very much a “human” hero. Many heroes like Gandhi for example, are almost saintly that we feel as if we should revere them. Aspiring to be like them seems unreachable.
“They” in Number 8, being the old women - who must find some gratification in being mistresses to the younger men. Though there is no agreement amongst the scholars as to the seriousness of this letter, I am inclined to think that this does reflect on Franklin’s personal views. Through his biography, along with his high moral character, his hardworking methods and his principles, what is also evident is that Franklin was ambitious. He had always aspired to monetary comforts and believed that he would get through hard labour. He was also proud of his own achievements, and there is a little coldness to his character. It is by no means diminishes his achievements or him. In fact, I think it makes it even more evident that Franklin was very much a “human” hero. Many heroes like Gandhi for example, are almost saintly that we feel as if we should revere them. Aspiring to be like them seems unreachable.
But Franklin, through his very ordinary humanity, seems like a perfect role model for would-be heroes.
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