Feinberg/Whitman 
Box 42 Folder 67
Notes and Notebooks 
Notes-Reference
Undated 
Benjamin Franklin letter 458
Franklin Letter Comment. A.MS. (3p. 261/2 x 20cm.)
Written in ink on the back of a typed copy of a letter, 3pages,
about Benjamin Franklin's advice on preferring an older woman
to a young one, 4 words:
Curious letter from FranklinMy dear friend;

I know of no medicine fit to diminish the 
violent natural inclination you mention; and if I did I think I 
should not communicate it to you. Marriage is the only remedy.  It is 
the most natural state of man, and, therefore, the state you will
find so lid happiness in.

Your reasons against entering into it at present, appear to, me to be
not well founded. The circumstantial advantages you have in view by
postponing it, are not only uncertain, but they are small in comparison
with the thing itself---the being married and settled.  It is
the man and woman united that makes the complete human being.  Separate
sha wants his force of body and strength of reason; he, her
softness, sensibility, and acute discernment.  Together they are more
likely to succeed in the world. A single man has not nearly the value,
he would have in the state of union.  He is an incomplete animal.
He resembles the odd half of a pair of scissors.  If you get a good
wife, your industry in your profession, together with her economy,
will be fortune sufficient.

But if you will not take this counsel, and persist in thinking a 
commerce with the sex inevitable, then I repeat my former advice
that in your amours, you should prefer old women to young ones.This you call a paradox, and demand my reasons. They are these:-
1, Because as they have more knowledge of the world, and their
minds are better stored with observations, their conversation is
more improving, and lastingly agreeable.

2,  Because when women cease to be handsome, they study to be good.
To maintain their influence over men, they supply the diminution of
beauty by augmentation of utility.  They learn to do a thousand
services, small and great, and they are the most tender and useful
of all friends, when you are sick. Thus they continue amicable, and,
hence, there is hardly such a thing to be found, as an old woman who
is not a good woman.

3,  Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produced,
may be attended with much inconvenience.

4,  Because through more experience, they are more prudent, and discreet,
in conducting an intrigue, to prevent suspicion. The commerce
with her is, therefore, safer, with regard to your reputation, and with
regard to theirs; if the affair should happen to be known, considerable
people may be inclined to excuse an old woman, who would kindly
take sare of a young man, form his manners by her good counsel 
and prevent his ruining his health, and fortune among mercenary
prostitutes.5, Because in every animal that walks upright, the deficiency of
the fluids of the muscles appear first in the highest part. The 
face first grows lank and wrinkled. Then the neck and arm, the lower
parts continuing to the last as plump as ever; so covering all above 
with a basket, and regarding only what is below the girdle, it is 
impossible of two women, to know an old from a young one; and, as in
the dark, all cats are grey, the pleasures of corporal enjoyment with 
an old woman, are at least equal, and frequently superior, every hack 
being by practice, capable of improvement. 

6,Because the sin is less. The debauching of a virgin, may 
ruin, and make her for life unhappy.
 
7, Because the compunction is less. The having made a young girl 
miserable may give you frequent bitter reflections, none of which 
can possibly attend making an old woman happy. 

8, And lastly they are so grateful. 

This much for my paradox. But still, I advise you to marry immediately, being sincerely, 

Your affectionate friend, 
(Signed) Benjamin FranklinCurious 
letter from 
Franklin