For Benjamin Franklin debates about religion were counterproductive. He always tried to shy away from taking a stand when such matters came up in his presence. He had distinct view, but preferred to keep them to himself. However his writings are full of his thoughts about character, belief, religion and even chastity.

Ben was in London for several years early in his printing career. While in London he found himself in the middle of a heated debate between a member of a long time Catholic family member and an Anglican bishop. Franklin finally added his comment. He said: “Your Grace, you Anglicans say you are never in the wrong, yet the Catholics proclaim they are infallible.

“The argument between you,” proposed Franklin, “reminds me of a beautiful woman whose argumentative nature discouraged marriage proposals. One frustrated suitor said, ‘Why must you always contradict?’ She replied, ‘I don’t know how it happens, but I meet with nobody except myself who is always in the right.’”

Ben was a master at diplomacy!