Ben Franklin began to publish almanacs in 1732．He pretended that they had been written by a person called Richard Saunders．“Poor Richard”as Franklin called him ，and his almanacs soon were known all over the colonies．These little pamphlets② have been translated into almost every known language．
Why was Poor Richard's Almanacs so popular？First，Franklin was a scientist，and everything he printed about the stars and planets was correct．In addition to dependable information，there were pieces of verse③ and many short，wise sayings．Poor Richard believed that people should work hard，save their money，live sim- ple，and be honest．In all sorts of ways he taught the people of all the colonies that the way to build a prosperous country was to be absolutely honest and thorough in whatever they did．Here are some pieces of advice from Poor Richard's Almanacs：
☆ A word to the wise is sufficient④．
☆ The used key is always bright．
☆ If you love life，do not waste time，for that's what life is made of．
☆ One today is worth two tomorrow．
☆ Keep your shop and your shop will keep you．
☆ If you would have a faithful servant，and one that you like，serve yourself．
☆ A small leak will sink a GREat ship．
☆ If you would know the value of money，go and try to borrow some．
☆ Experience keeps a dear school，but fools will learn in no others．
☆ Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy，wealthy and wise．
Notes：①almanac 历书 ②pamphlet 小册子 ③verse 诗 ④sufficient 足够的
