Idea Ripper // ArchiveCards: 1555 [Live] | Updated: 2026-10-14
Card #c1048IR // #c1048Synthesis

"Having heard that he had in his library a certain very scarce and curious book, I wrote a note to him, expressing my desire of perusing that book, and requesting he would do me the favour of lending it to me for a few days." "He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged."

— In our words · Source: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Benjamin Franklin)

[Use when]

Someone with influence over you dislikes you and doing them favors hasn't helped.

[Why it matters]

A new Assembly member had spoken against him. Franklin asked a small favor instead of offering one, returned the book in a week with thanks, and says they "became great friends." The outcome is his account.

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