Which saying from Poor Richard’s Almanac conveys a similar message?
“Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.”
“Well done is better than well said.”
“Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.”
“‘Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The saying from Poor Richard’s Almanac that conveys a similar message to “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards” is:
“Well done is better than well said.”
Explanation:
Benjamin Franklin, in his Poor Richard’s Almanac, often offered practical advice, much of it focused on the importance of action over words. The saying “Well done is better than well said” implies that actions speak louder than words. This conveys the idea that while many things can be promised or spoken about in the abstract (such as expectations for marriage, relationships, or other commitments), it is the actions, decisions, and conduct that truly matter in the long run. This aligns with the idea behind “Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards,” which suggests that people should carefully observe and assess their partner and the relationship before marriage, but after the commitment, it is better to focus on living harmoniously and taking action rather than excessively analyzing or speaking about every issue.
The concept in the first saying is about the importance of thoughtful observation and action before making a life commitment (marriage), and focusing on doing well in the marriage afterwards instead of overthinking or being critical. In both sayings, there is an emphasis on the importance of practicality over mere words or expectations.
On the other hand, the other options have different messages:
- “Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass” focuses on hypocrisy and not criticizing others when you have your own flaws.
- “‘Tis easier to prevent bad habits than to break them” speaks about the importance of early intervention in habits.
- While wise, these sayings don’t align as closely with the idea of actions speaking louder than words, which connects to “Well done is better than well said.”