#29 - Amusing
The letters of Silence Dogood, amusing oneself, and the great diffuser
Life is uncertain. There’s rarely a right path forward. So why not pick the amusing option?
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The Letters of Silence Dogood
1722: fourteen letters are published in the New England Courant- a newspaper in colonial America- by Silence Dogood, a middle aged widow. The letters mocked the way of life in the colonies, and built quite the following. Before long Silence's witty prose sparked regular marriage proposals from male readers.
Here she is on the subject of hoop petticoats:
These monstrous topsy-turvy Mortar-Pieces, are neither fit for the Church, the Hall, or the Kitchen; and if a Number of them were well mounted on Noddles-Island, they would look more like Engines of War for bombarding the Town, than Ornaments of the Fair Sex.
It’s clear from the letters that the writer is rather enjoying themselves. In fact, it was a trait that would stay with that writer throughout their life. They went on to dizzying success. Becoming the most famous writer, scientist and politician, of their day. Today we know them as the “First American”- the most important person in American history.
You might be wondering why you haven’t heard of Silence Dogood. It’s because the letters were actually written by a 16 year old Benjamin Franklin.
Amusing Oneself
It’s a strange image- a 16 year old boy posing as a middle aged widow. However on reading the letters it becomes clear that Franklin was simply having a laugh. There was a fellow who knew how to amuse himself. It’s this clear self-enjoyment that makes the letters such a delight to read.
He made it look easy. But it’s not. Especially today. We often feel there’s a way we should behave. That there’s an order of business that we need to be adhering too. Every week I wonder what I should write about in this newsletter- like there’s a right answer. There isn’t! So why not try and amuse myself?
The Great Diffuser
Life is better with laughter. Philosopher John Morreall theorises that:
Laughter has its origins in a shared expression of relief at the passing of danger.
Whether that’s right or not, he stumbles upon a great point: laughter is the great diffuser. So much of what holds us back in our life and work is fear. Fear of what might happen.
Without fail I’m tense when I come to write this newsletter each week. I’m terrified that this is the week I fail to get something out. Nothing diffuses that tension better than causing myself to chuckle.
This morning I’ve been tittering about Silence Dogood’s letters. Even thinking of laughter is amusing. Retrieving John Morreall’s quote from wikipedia gave me much joy.
Once one has amused oneself the previous tensions seem silly. Which, to be honest, they are. It’s a wonderful reminder not to take ourselves too seriously.
Between you and me I’m a ludicrous character. There’s a good chance you are too. Do we pretend to be a proper human? To fit into society’s expectations of what we should be doing? Or do we try at least to have a laugh?
My Week in Books📚
Genghis Khan: And the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
Wild. Such an incredible story. I was a little surprised when Genghis Khan died half way through the book but what came next was just as stunning.
The Mongols have gone down as history’s barbarians. But this is unfair on so many levels. Nobody has had anywhere near the impact on today’s global culture as the Mongols and their great Khan. Their empire catalysed everything from modern day China to the European Renaissance. A true pleasure to read. I shall miss it.
I’ll be updating the books I’ve read this year here. Any recommendations? Let me know!
A Final Thought 💡
“Frame your mind to mirth and merriment which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.”
- William Shakespeare