In 1732 Benjamin Franklin began publishing the annual Poor Richard's Almanack. Like many other almanacks (yes, this was the correct spelling!) Poor Richard's offered weather predictions, a calendar, astrological and astronomical information, poems, household tips and such which colonial Americans relied on. However, it is best remembered for Franklin's proverbs and words of wisdom, some of which remain today. Ever heard a saying beginning, "early to bed, early to rise"?
Some of Franklin's sayings in Poor Richard's Almanack are outdated or don't translate to modern humor. Some are still funny ("He that lives upon Hope, dies farting"). Some are sexist to today's culture ("Let thy maidservant be faithful, strong and homely"). Some are sexist and funny ("You cannot pluck roses without fear of thorns, Nor enjoy a fair wife without danger of horns").
But many are timeless, and while perhaps simplistic to us, definitely worth considering. A favorite of mine:
He that would live in peace & at ease, Must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees.
I didn't read another passage that I thought spoke so clearly to modern media or culture. Thanks to our ease of communication, including texting, Facebook statuses, Twitter, message boards and yes, blogging, we're given endless outlets to speak all we know. And enjoy it. While this can be fun and provoke a lively discussion or debate, we all know someone who gets a little too intense or wound up, or is just a know-it-all. And if we're honest, some days we're that person. It can be frustrating to see someone giving out bad information or poor advice, but is it worth getting worked up about if it isn't harmful? (Dear best friend's ex-boyfriend: I know you know everything, but trust me: drinking beer while taking Lortab IS dangerous.)
As long as it isn't hurting anyone, oftentimes it's best to present one's case and then walk away with a cool head. And hey, it's also an easier walk with a bit of smug satisfaction at not having to worry about being the one to be caught giving misinformation!
I believe speaking all one knows also implies discretion and maintaining privacy. It seems that the proliferation of me-centric media has led most everyone to believe they're starring in their own reality show, but is it really wise to publicize everything we do? There have been numerous instances of people losing out on job opportunities due to less-than-flattering photos gleefully and publicly posted after nights out. Even though you might find a photo of yourself doing a keg stand hilarious, chances are your prospective boss won't. A lot of Gen Y-ers (or Millenials, whichever you prefer) seem to believe, and have been raised to believe, that self-expression of all forms and for all reasons is necessary and to be celebrated. (You can identify them at a very young age: they are screaming on an airplane and their parents think they're within their rights to express their displeasure this way, with very little regard for the displeasure of other passengers and their throbbing eardrums.) These are the people who tend to carry out every little drama and irritation in public, and while this might garner attention, is it a good kind?
We're also given plenty of opportunities to pass judgement, but here also, sometimes it's worth it to our sanity to live and let live. Reality TV invites and encourages judgement, celebrating and publicizing the latest antics or misfortunes of the self-destructive and famewhoring. These give us an outlet to gossip and sometimes scorn, but does it really improve our day to insult someone who calls himself "The Situation"? Does the latest inquest into whether or not an actress has had a nose job have any bearing on our lives?
Politics is always a hotbed for judgement and passionate opinions. Citizens have a duty to be informed and involved voters and seek out knowledge to form their own views. Unfortunately, straight reporting and unbiased publications can be hard to find. I question the usefulness of partisan political talk shows who bring on guests with different viewpoints seemingly for no other reason than to interrupt and shout at them. Do shows like these really educate us, or do they just inflame our emotions?
A discussion on judgement wouldn't be complete without including Facebook. We pass judgement on our "friends" without even thinking about it. Remember these people who post everything? We tend to think badly of them. "Does so-and-so REALLY have to post their dinner menu every night?" "I get really tired of seeing so-and-so bash his ex!", etc. Some of these people are simply immature and bordering on narcissistic. Others do so for different reasons; some are desperate for interaction and friendship, some are hurting and don't know another outlet for their pain. Rather than growing frustrated with them or trying to correct them, there's an easy option: Hide.
It might seems as though Franklin's wisdom was almost prophetic, but I believe it was a wise man living much earlier than Franklin who said it all: "There is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
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