[BenLurkin]

He was a clever fellow, but not a decent human being.

[marktwain]

He was a clever fellow, but not a decent human being.

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Why do you say that. He clearly made mistakes. He also acknowledged them.

He never actually gave the advice to prefering older women because “they don’t swell, they don’t tell, and they’re gratefull as h*ll”.

I have read the actual letter that the supposed quote is derived from, and it cautions care and concern for women.

Franklin only suggests that if his correspondent *must* have a mistress that he avoid ruining the life or a younger woman, and his correspondent would do less damage with an older mistress.