Benjamin Franklin’s Sage Advice On Choosing a Mistress

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(Public domain)

Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents. He was a prolific thinker and inventor. He created things like the first lightning rod and bifocal glasses. He was also instrumental in funding the American Revolution. Franklin forged numerous connections that were important to the early United States. His contributions to the Revolution and the United States earned him a spot on the $100 bill and as one of America’s most beloved Founding Fathers.

In addition to all of these fabulous accomplishments, Benjamin Franklin was also an infamous womanizer.

Franklin had six known mistresses that are recorded in the historical record. He likely had many more that have been lost to time. Franklin’s chops as a philanderer caused his contemporaries to solicit advice from him regarding sexual and societal problems. Franklin was more than happy to oblige and would dole out what he thought was prudent information to those who asked.

One of Franklin’s letters has survived to this day in which he advises a friend on sexual matters. In the letter, Benjamin Franklin offers advice on choosing a mistress. To his credit, Franklin says that a loving marriage is the best remedy for sexual desires and that a mistress is not preferable to a wife. However…