Yesterday at a family gathering I was bantering back and forth with my youngest grandson Ben, who's almost four. At one point I praised him for his Foosball skills, saying, "You're hot, Ben." My daughter reminded me that I would need to clarify that phrase since it was used in a context unfamiliar to him. It was a good reminder. And then today my twelve-year old granddaughter "out of the blue" started spouting off Ben Franklin quotes as I started driving. That was completely "out of character" for her, but made me start
thinking about that very wise man named Ben and the brilliant words he uttered that still resonate today, as well as his true genius as an American Founding Father, author, printer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, and politician. He was a man of good humor, and himself a little boy named Ben well over three hundred years ago. My grandson Ben will surely learn about Ben Franklin one day soon, and perhaps read a few quotes of his, compliments of his grandmother and countless others. Some quotes will no doubt resonate more than others at different points in time, but the important thing is that my grandson Ben will discover a remarkable man in American history who shared his name.
Here are just some of those memorable quotes by Ben Franklin:
"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
"It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it."
"He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals."
"He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money."
"Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade?"
"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
"We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid."
"Well done is better than well said."
And lest we think that there was only one historically significant Ben in America's past, I'll tell him too about a special sports hero
named Ben Hogan. Perhaps I'll even teach the young Ben in my life how to play golf one day. I will certainly share with him the quote of one of the world's greatest golfers. It was Ben Hogan who said, "As we walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round."
For now, my sweet and lovable grandson Ben is focused on his love of another kind--Superheroes. I suspect dear Mr. Ben Franklin would be proud, and perhaps Ben Hogan as well!
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