Franklin's Autobiography

by Benjamin Franklin

nothing was useful which was not honest.

"Speak, though sure, with seeming diffidence."

I grew convinced that truth, sincerity, and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost importance to the felicity of life;

In reality there is, perhaps, no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride. Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then peep out and show itself. You will see it, perhaps, often in this history; for, even if I could conceive that I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility. [115]

"That few in public affairs act from a mere view of the good of their country, whatever they may pretend; and though their actings bring real good to their country, yet men primarily consider that their own and their country's interest is united, and do not act from a principle of benevolence. "That fewer still, in public affairs, act with a view to the good of mankind.

I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, makes the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.

"He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged."

Human felicity is produced not so much by great pieces of good fortune that seldom happen, as by little advantages that occur every day.