The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Part 10

 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Part 10

Bonus: 

Kind of an odd thing to audiobook.

Summary: Lots of all around helpful advice.

Commentary: I should read (or at least skim) Poor Richard's Almanac.

In 1736 I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old, by the smallpox, taken in the common way. I long regretted bitterly, and still regret that I had not given it to him by inoculation. This I mention for the sake of parents who omit that operation, on the supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a child died under it; my example showing that the regret may be the same either way, and that, therefore, the safer should be chosen.

This is, I think, the simplest take on vaccinations. Even if you're concerned about side effects, they'd have to be substantially worse/more likely than the disease to be a good reason not to take it.

This chapter is the source of the "Ben Franklin Effect", basically stating that convincing someone to do you a small favor will (unexpectedly) make them like you. Try it, it works! (Especially good with bad bosses.)