The Ephemera: An Emblem of Human Life
Bonus:
Summary: Life is short: Try to be a good person and get laid.
Commentary: I'm not sure why I started with the Wikisource list for Franklin instead of any others. I've started to grab from other places now, but it'll make it harder to stay organized. I assume I'll want to more onto something else well before I run out of everything he ever wrote, though.
" You know I understand all the inferior animal tongues. My too great application to the study of them is the best excuse I can give for the little progress I have made in your charming language."
I was going to put a gif here, but no gif, no matter how perfectly looped, can be a smoooooth as Ben Franklin.
"in hopes it will likewise amuse her to whom I am so much indebted for the most pleasing of all amusements, her delicious company and heavenly harmony."
To me, after all my eager pursuits, no solid pleasures now remain but the reflection of a long life spent in meaning well, the sensible conversation of a few good lady ephemeræ, and now and then a kind smile and a tune from the ever amiable Brillante.
I like that the emphasis here is on the intent, which you can control, rather than a long chain effect, which you can't. You might build a kickass library and have it get burned down by Nazis or hit by a meteor give years after you die. But only you get to decide you tried to be a good person. Hoping to see more in depth writing on this as I read more of his stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment