I realize we don’t celebrate this day like we do the 4th of July, but nonetheless I am surprised at how little people seem to know about it.
On September 17, I asked 7 or 8 of my friends and acquaintences a few simple questions. (Notice they weren’t all ‘friends’ or you would have expected them to be as patriotic as I am.)
The people I asked were young or old, white or black, educated or not so educated, as a sampling of our population. One of those was even an ex-Congressman.
With Labor Day quickly approaching, I thought maybe you’d enjoy some favorite quotes from some of the Founding Fathers (and a few others) relating to labor.
“Well done is better than well said.” Benjamin Franklin
“Success has ruined many a good man.” Benjamin Franklin
“The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade.” Benjamin Franklin
“Commerce and industry are the best mines of a nation.” George Washington
“The private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry are not less amiable, in civil life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, in public life.” George Washington
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensible supports. . . . (R)eason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. -George Washington
Thinking about Easter today, I was contemplating on some of the pictures people have today about the Founding Fathers. Some people hold to the teachings they now receive in school that the Founding Fathers were not Christians. That they were either unbelievers, athiests, or Deists. Such people should read some of their own words. Words of the Founders of this Nation. Here are just a select few.
George Washington was a Christian, attending services as often as he could. He was a vestryman and a Church warden, and supported the Church with generous financial offerings. He often acknowledged the protection by hand of Providence in his life. He was often seen in prayer, especially at Valley Forge. He said: “I was in hopes (that the present age) would at least have reconciled Christians of every denomination (to add to) the peace of society.”
Benjamin Franklin had a habit of engaging in a daily “air bath.” He regarded this as a novel method to avoid cold, flu, and even smallpox. He wrote in 1768: “I have found it . . . agreeable to my constitution to bathe in another element. I mean cold air.”
Ben would arise every morning, and sit in his chamber without any clothes on whatever. He would throw open the room’s windows, even in cold weather, and enjoy the fresh air for a half hour or even an hour, depending on the season. During this time he would either read or write.
As I considered all the clocks that need to be set to the correct time with the advent of Daylight Savings Time, I wondered if it was time for us to reconsider this magical invention. I think the owner of that watch store in New York City that has his employees employed 10 hours a day, over 2 days, to reset his 60,000 or so watches might agree.
Benjamin Franklin originally suggested this concoction. He was surprised at how late the British would start their days, and how late into the night they would remain active. The inhabitants of London chose to live much of their life by candlelight. Then they would complain of the high duty (tax) on tallow, the main ingredient used in making candles.
When he was about 7 years old, Benjamin Franklin had an experience that taught him something new. It was so significant to him as a child, it stayed with him all his life. It even took on added meaning the more experience he had with life and mankind.
Ben was the fifteenth child and the tenth son born to Joshah Franklin’s family. So he had some older siblings. When Ben was about 7, some visitors to their home gave Ben 10 pennies. An immense sum for a boy of his age and standing.
A few hours later, Ben happened upon a neighbor boy who was blowing on a whistle. Charmed with the sound, Ben asked to buy it from this neighbor. Ben gave all his 10 pennies for the whistle.