In the spirit of the approaching New Year, and as promised yesterday, I’ve decided to focus on the positive and have been searching for quotes that are optimistic, uplifting, and perhaps even humorous.

Today, my eye landed on the words of Benjamin Franklin: a man well-known, not only for his statesmanship, but for his mischievous sense of humor as well . . . though in this case, I’m quite sure it is my own, often diabolical and sometimes even twisted, interpretation that sees the funny side of this:

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

What Ben meant, of course, was that you should become a better person in the new year.

But my immediate reaction was: “Yes, please! I’ve been looking for a better man for years, and haven’t found him yet.”

Either way, I think Ben’s sentiment is a good one for 2026 . . . especially after what we’ve all been through in 2025.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/28/25