On the record
I know how little many good-natured persons are affected by the distresses of people at a distance, and whom they do not know.
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gutenberg.orgBenjamin Franklin: “I know how little many good-natured persons are affected by the distresses of people at a distance, and whom they do not…”
Editor's note · Context
Franklin observes the disconnect people often feel towards distant tragedies compared to personal losses.
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Many quarrels and wars have arisen between the colonies and Indian nations, through the bad conduct of traders, who cheat the Indians after making them drunk, &c. to the great expence of the colonies both in blood and treasure.
We are restrained in our trade with foreign nations; and where we could be supplied with any manufacture cheaper from them, but must buy the same dearer from Britain, the difference of price is a clear tax to Britain.
The establishing of new colonies westward on the Ohio and the lakes (a matter of considerable importance to the increase of British trade and power, to the breaking that of the French, and to the protection and security of our present…
And as there are already in the old colonies many thousands of families that are ready to swarm, wanting more land; the richness and natural advantage of the Ohio country would draw most of them thither, were there but a tolerable prospect…
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