Kirk Kittell’s Reviews > Writings: The Autobiography / Poor Richard’s Almanack / Bagatelles, Pamphlets, Essays & Letters > Status Update

[to Jane Mecom, March 1, 1766] One's true Happiness depends more upon one's own Judgement of one's self, on a Consciousness of Rectitude on Action and Intention, and in the Approbation of those few who judge impartially, than upon the Applause of the unthinking undiscerning Multitude, who are apt to cry Hosanna today, and tomorrow, Crucify him.

He who is neither ashamed of his own Ignorance, nor unwilling to receive Help from any Quarter towards better Information of his Mind, or afraid to discard an old and favoured Opinion, upon better Evidence; he, I say, will find Truth kindly open before him, and freely offer itself to him --"On Obstinacy in Opinion" (1735)

And if in the Conduct of your Affairs you have been deceived by others, or have committed any Error your self, it will be a Discretion in you to observe and note the same, and the Defailance, with the Means or Expedient to repair it
No Man truly wise but who hath been deceived
Let all your observations be committed to writing every Night before you go to Sleep

--Proposals and Queries to be Asked the Junto

We are all forward enough to protest and complain against the Falshood and Treachery of Mankind, tho' the Remedy be always in our own Power, and each is at Liberty to reform himself.

--"On Simplicity"