Marking Pennsylvania History

The Fruits of Solitude

If not for the extreme wit of Benjamin Franklin, William Penn's "Fruits of Solitude" would certainly be a classic. The founder of Pennsylvania compiled the book in 1682, just as he was in the midst of his "holy experiment" in Philadelphia. Some of Penn's maxims were "the result of serious reflection; others the flashings of lucid intervals; written for private satisfaction." All were intended as "help for human conduct."

Here's a sampling:

Solitude is a school few care to learn in, though none instructs us better.

Eat therefore to live, and do not live to eat.

Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs, than of their children.

The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.

Between a man and his wife, nothing ought to rule but love.

Men are apt to be more concerned for their credit, than for the cause.

It is wise not to seek a secret; and honest not to reveal one.

Wit is a happy and striking way of expressing a thought.

Next to God, thy parents; next to them, the magistrate.

It is not how we leave our children, but what we leave them.

Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.

A man, like a watch, is valued for his goings.

Delays have been more injurious than direct injustice.

Thou wouldst take much pains to save thy body; take some, prithee, to save thy soul.

No religion is better than an unnatural one.

A good end cannot sanctify evil means, nor must we ever do evil that good may come of it.

The tallest trees are most in the power of the winds; and ambitious men of the blasts of fortune.

We are apt to love praise, but not to deserve it.

Form is good, but not formality.

- Kenneth FInkel, Executive Director of WHYY's Arts & Culture Service

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