The Mentor: Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 6, Num. 7, Serial No. 155, May 15, 1918

LEARN ONE THING EVERY DAY
MAY 15 1918
SERIAL NO. 155
THE MENTOR BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
By ALBERT BUSHNELL HART
Professor of Government Harvard University
DEPARTMENT OF BIOGRAPHY
VOLUME 6 NUMBER 7
TWENTY CENTS A COPY
A Bit of Ben Franklin Wisdom
When I was a child seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and, being charmed with the sound of a whistle that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle , but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind of what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure.
This, however, was afterward of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Don’t give too much for the whistle ; and I saved my money. As I grew up, came into the world, and observed the actions of men, I thought I met with many, very many, who gave too much for the whistle .