Benjamin Franklin

I have sometimes wish’d it had been my destiny to have been born two or three centuries hence.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

I am apprehensive…that the Government of these States, may in future times, end in a Monarchy.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

A republic... if you can keep it.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

I am griev’d to hear of Mobs and Violence, and the pulling down of Houses, which our Friends cannot justify, and which give great Advantage against us to our Enemies.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

I am apprehensive, therefore, perhaps too apprehensive, that the Government of these States, may in future times, end in a Monarchy.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

...there is a natural Inclination in Mankind to Kingly Government. It sometimes relieves them from Aristocratic Domination. They had rather have one Tyrant than 500. It gives more of the Appearance of Equality among Citizens; and that they like.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

@JayDobenskyWx Chagrin’d a little that We have hitherto been able to discover Nothing in this Way of Use to Mankind, and the hot Weather coming on, when Electrical Experiments are not so agreable; ’tis proposed to put an End to them for this Season...

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

Since we know not how soon we may have a fresh Occasion for Friends, for Credit, and for Reputation.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

In these Circumstances we cannot be too careful to preserve the Friendships we have acquired abroad...to secure our Credit by a punctual Discharge of our Obligations of every kind, and our Reputation by the Wisdom of our Councils...

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

No nation was ever ruined by trade.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

@notianrapoport @lachlan @GuardAmerican @KevinWGlass @HuffPost You will wonder perhaps that I should ever doubt it, and I will not undertake to justify all my Prejudices, nor to account for them.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

@notianrapoport @lachlan @GuardAmerican @KevinWGlass @HuffPost From what I then saw, have conceiv’d a higher Opinion of the natural Capacities of the black Race, than I had ever before entertained. Their Apprehension seems as quick, their Memory as strong, and their Docility in every Respect equal to that of white Children.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

I thank you for your kind Words, and am, with the greatest Esteem and Affection, Dear Sir Your most obedient humble Servant

B Franklin https://t.co/d2fjuPb1yT

[Neil deGrasse Tyson @neiltyson]

I'd bet Benjamin Franklin would have been really good on Twitter.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

No nation was ever ruined by trade.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

A republic... if you can keep it.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(6) Here, indeed, one would think riots a part of the mode of government.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(5) In America, if one mob rises and breaks a few windows, or tars and feathers a single rascally informer, it is called rebellion.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(4) riots of smugglers, in which custom-house officers and excitement have been murdered, the King’s armed vessels and troops fired at, &c.

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(3) riots of weavers; riots of coal-heavers; riots of sawyers; riots of sailors; riots of Wilkesites; riots of government chairmen;

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(2) I have seen, within a year, riots in the country about corn; riots about elections; riots about work-houses; riots of colliers;

[Benjamin Franklin @benfranklin]

(1) Do you Englishmen then pretend to censure the colonies for riots? Look at home!