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Bragging & Discretion

Always an up-to-date mentor, Franklin’s insights fit right into the soundbites you see here. But why stop here? For a Niagara of wit and understanding in the wonderful words from Ben's own works, get to a search engine and try: Franklin + “Poor Richard.” You might add “1758” -- or just click here. The 1758 preface features some favorite sayings. ( Oh, parents, those "Poor Richard's" websites can get raucous.)
Show subject index

What's Ben What's Verse
Bragging & Discretion
see also GABBING & SILENCE and PRIVACY.
In a discreet man's mouth, a publick thing is private. [1736]Closed tureens
Spill no beans.
Here comes Courage! that seiz'd the lion absent, and run away from the present mouse. [1736]Brave outstares
Absent bears.
Write with the learned, pronounce with the vulgar. [1738]Write formally,
Talk normal – see?
Proclaim not all thou
knowest, all thou owest,
all thou hast, nor all thou
can'st. [1739]
Bird brains crow
All they know.
He's a Fool that cannot conceal his own Wisdom. [1745]Twit shows
Twit knows.
The Tongue offends, and the
Ears get the Cuffing. [1757]
Mouth brays,
Ass pays.



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Rev 2010-1.