Customer Reviews
Distilled wisdom - By: Andrew Barrett, 19 Aug 2007 
1st Dover Thrift Edition (1999), Dover Publications, 57 pages
Wit & Wisdom from Poor Richard's Almanack is a selection of quotations from various editions of Poor Richard's Almanack, originallly published by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia for the years 1733 - 1758.
I was prompted to buy this little book after reading Franklin's autobiography (prompted in turn by Charlie Munger's recommendation). There is a temptation when important information is presented in a humorous, folksy manner to be somewhat dismissive & perhaps not pay it the attention it deserves. This book is full of amusing aphorisms that are acutely observed & extremely wise. Some of my favourites are:
"The way to be safe, is never to be secure." (particularly apposite for stock investors, like myself)
"Glass, China, & Reputation are easily crack'd,
And never well mended."
"Each year one vicious habit rooted out,
In time might make the worst Man good through-
out."
"He that can bear a Reproof, & mend by it,
if he is not wise, is in a fair way of being so."
"Fools need advice most, but wise Men only are the
better for it."
The quotes are also arranged by topic, which is quite helpful (particularly when you want to find one again).
Wit & Wisdom is a great little book & terrific value at only one pound. Highly recommended.
