Benjamin Franklin's Reasons to Marry Older Women
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Introduction
There have been a few lists on this site expressing appreciation for the attributes of the older woman.
(see lists of carymc and klypz)
Benjamin Franklin was of a similar opinion 262 years ago.
Who can argue with history and genius?
Source: Advice to a Young Man (Philadelphia, June 25,1745)
1
They are smart.
"Because they have more Knowledge of the world, and their Minds are better stored with Observations; their Conversation is more improving, and more lasting agreeable."
2
They are GOOD.
"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."
3
No more kids.
"Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produced may be attended with much inconvenience."
4
They are sensible.
"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 inclined to excuse an old Woman, who would kindly take care of a young Man, form his manners by her good Councils, and prevent his ruining his Health and Fortune among mercenary Prostitutes."
5
They are not afraid of the dark.
"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 coving all above with a Basket, and regarding only what is below the Girdle, it is impossible of two Women to know an old one 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.
6
Sin
"Because the sin is less. The Debauching of a Virgin may be her Ruin, and make her Life unhappy."
7
They have their own life.
"Because the Compunction is less. The having made a young Girl miserable may give you frequent bitter Reflections; none of which can attend making an old Woman HAPPY."
8
They know a good thing.
"8th and lastly. They are so grateful!!!"
9
They have a sense of humor
Hear! Hear! Great list, Kathybelle. :)
They would have to have a sense of humor to put up Ol Ben and some of his habits. Love the list KB!
I believe Ben had a sweet little wife whom he rarely saw. She lived in America, while he appreciated the attributes of older ladies in Europe.
Well, it should be obvious from his comments that he didn't spend a lot of time with his sweet little wife.
Obviously.
Probably too young.
Probably too young.
I hate when wives get too young. It's time to move on after that.
One night I was in pursuit of an intelligent Muslim girl who later told me she was engaged. But anyway, a friend who was with us later said, "geez, she reminded me of an old lady." And I said, "Exactly!" But she was probably jealous, for although she too was intelligent, she reminds me of the opposite of an old lady. So there must have been an inner age clash between them.
One night I was in pursuit of an intelligent Muslim girl who later told me she was engaged. But anyway, a friend who was with us later said, "geez, she reminded me of an old lady." And I said, "Exactly!" But she was probably jealous, for although she too was intelligent, she reminds me of the opposite of an old lady. So there must have been an inner age clash between them.
Some people are born older than others.
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