Whenever writing seems a thorny, tough proposition, turning for inspiration and motivation from fellow travelers can be a wise move. With this in mind, I picked up a slim, handsome volume, Quotations of Benjamin Franklin, peeking from a book pile, of which there are many scattered around my house. Writer, printer, provocateur – our boy Benjamin was no slouch. His pithy, witty Poor Richard’s Almanack was a hugely popular series in its day and still has a modern ring to it. A few entries to amuse and embolden us:

“A good example is the best sermon.”

“Plough deep while sluggards sleep.”

“Well done is better than well said.”

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

“Industry, perseverance, and frugality make fortune yield.”

“If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.”

“You will find the key to success under the alarm clock.”

“Take time for all things; great haste makes great waste.”

“Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”

“What signifies knowing the names, if you know not the nature of things?”

“If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.”

“The doors of wisdom are never shut.”

Wise and witty words to guide us today as we all write on!