In 1745, Benjamin Franklin wrote to a young man, advising him on why he should take a much older woman to be his mistress instead of a young one. He gave eight reasons for this.
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1: Because as they have more Knowledge of the World and their Minds are better stor'd with Observations, their Conversation is more improving and more lastingly agreable.
2: Because when Women cease to be handsome, they study to be good. To maintain their Influence over Men, they supply the Diminution of Beauty by an Augmentation of Utility. They learn to do a 1000 Services small and great, and are the most tender and useful of all Friends...
3: Because there is no hazard of Children, which irregularly produc'd may be attended with much Inconvenience.
4: Because thro' more Experience, they are more prudent and discreet in conducting an Intrigue to prevent Suspicion. The Commerce with them is therefore safer with regard to your Reputation.
5 Because in every Animal that walks upright, the Deficiency of the Fluids that fill the Muscles appears first in the highest Part: The Face first grows lank and wrinkled; then the Neck; then the Breast and Arms; the lower Parts continuing to the last as plump as ever...
... So that covering all above with a Basket, and regarding2 only what is below the Girdle, it is impossible of two Women to know an old from a young one.
6: Because the Sin is less. The debauching a Virgin may be her Ruin, and make her for Life unhappy.
7: Because the Compunction is less. The having made a young Girl miserable may give you frequent bitter Reflections; none of which can attend the making an old Woman happy.
8: They are so grateful.
You can read the whole thing here swarthmore.edu/SocSci/bdorsey…
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