Sunday, April 14, 2013

Nothing Is Certain But Death And Taxes, Context-Ben Franklin


The Saying: NOTHING IS CERTAIN BUT DEATH AND TAXES.
Who Said It: Benjamin Franklin
When: 1789
The Story behind It: American-born Franklin was a statesman, scientist, and writer who frequently corresponded with the prominent international figures of his time. In 1789, at the age of 83, Franklin was still corresponding with Jean Baptiste Leroy, a French physicist and writer. Many of Franklin's personal letters contained simple maxims-the kind found in his Poor Richard's Almanack-and they prove that his wit and wisdom were not impaired by age. One of these comments was: "Our Constitution is in actual operation. Everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."

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