For Christmas this year, my mom gave me a book called the Gnomologia, a collection of sayings compiled by a British doctor in 1732. The Gnomologia inspired Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, and was a fascinating read containing sayings that were insightful, familiar and some that were downright confusing. I couldn’t resist including my two favorites, which I like because they’re so ridiculous. Here’s are some excerpts:

Always you are to be rich next year.

All the Joys in the World cannot take one grey Hair out of our Heads.

Be content; the Sea hath Fish enough.

The best Metals lose their Lustre, unless brightened by Use.

Education begins a Gentleman, Conversation compleats him.

A good archer is not known by his Arrows, but by his Aim.
The greatest Oaks have been little Acorns.

A Handsaw is a good thing, but not to shave with.

He that grasps at too much, holds nothing fast.

He that plants Trees, loves others beside himself.

Health is great Riches.

His Lungs are very sensible; for everything makes them laugh.

Make the best of a bad Bargain.

Mirth and Motion prolong Life.

A ready Way to lose your Friend, is to lend him Money.

Riches are but the Baggage of Fortune.

Riches have made more covetous Men, than Covetousness hath made rich Me.

Sins and Debts are always more than we think them to be.

They are rich, who have true Friends.

Those, that make the best Use of their Time, have none to spare.

Thrift is the Philosopher’s Stone.

Tis easier to know how to speak, than how to be silent.

The whole Ocean is made up of single Drops.
Wisdom is a good Purchase, tho’ we pay dear for it.

With-hold not thy Money, where there is Need; and waste it not, where there is none.

Would you thatch your House with Pancakes?

It was fascinating to see the similarities and differences in outlooks between now and almost 300 years ago. Some of them are also pretty amusingly absurd. If you’re intrigued, check out the book at your bookstore, or, better year, the local library.

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