This however was afterwards 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 so I saved my money.
Franklin shares a lesson learned from a childhood mistake, using it as a metaphor for avoiding unnecessary expenses in adulthood.
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More from Benjamin Franklin
I wish old England were as happy in its government, but I do not see it.
Few of their Children in the Country learn English . . . The Signs in our Streets have Inscriptions in both Languages, and in some places only [their language] . . . In short, unless the Stream of their Importation could be turned…
It is comfortable to have a good opinion of one's self, and of every thing that belongs to us, to think one's own religion, king, and wife, the best of all possible wives, kings, and religions.
If the treaty cannot be made as much to your advantage as to ours, don't make it.
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