Ben Franklin

At a Job interview one time I was asked to give an impromptu speech for about ten to 15 minutes on 'my hero'. Actually, I have three people I like, all interdisciplinary polymaths. So, I discussed them all briefly. They are:

Leonardo da Vinci


Derek Flint (fiction character, from the books/movies In Like Flint and Our Man Flint)

Benjamin Franklin

What I like about these people is that they were
• 1) geniuses
• 2) polymaths (multi talented) and
• 3) had a hedonistic streak
  • da Vinci is said to have had a thing for young boys, perhaps incorrectly,
  • Flint had 3 to 5 live in female 'roommates' and
  • Ben wrote an article called 8 Reasons to Marry an Older Woman.
  Also, all were given in to a drink now and again.

Benjamin Franklin's

8 Reasons to Marry an Older Woman

1. Because they have more Knowledge of the world, and their Minds are better stored with Observations; their Conversation is more improving, and more lastingly agreeable.

2. 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. Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produced may be attended with much inconvenience.

4. 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. 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 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 one from a young one. And as in the Dark all Cats are grey, the Pleasure of Corporal Enjoyment with on old Woman is at least equal and frequently superior; every Knack being by Practice capable of improvement.

6. Because the sin is less. The Debauching of a Virgin may be her Ruin, and make her Life unhappy.

7. 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.

8th & lastly. They are so grateful!!!

SOURCE: Advice to a Young Man (Philadelphia, June 25, 1745).

QUOTED in: The Book of Lists (1977) Wallechinsky, D., Wallace, I., and Wallace, A.

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