“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” –Martha Washington, First American First Lady, 1732-1802.
Martha met George Washington one day in late Autumn in 1758. She had been invited to dine at the home of Mr. Richard Chamberlayne, who was also a friend of George. Washington happened to stop by the home of his friend for supper while George was on his was to meet with the Governor in Williamsburg.
Several years ago while I was a successful practicing attorney, I was looking through the morning newspaper. Yes, we still had one on home delivery in those days.
As you know, Benjamin Franklin was a printer since his early days when he was apprenticed to his brother, James. He eventually moved on from Boston to Philadelphia, where he became a very successful printer with his own company.
Washington was well known for sticking to a task that he had undertaken. He couldn’t be shaken from doing his duty, or fulfilling his promise.
“Tact is the ability to see others as they see themselves.”
Benjamin Franklin responded to his sister Jane Mecom of Boston in a letter in 1743. Jane was apparently concerned about Ben’s slightly unorthodox view and convictions.
In Benjamin Franklin’s Project for Moral Perfection he listed 13 characteristics that he wanted to improve during his lifetime. Yes, he wanted to become perfect. He had trouble with one of them and said: