PHILADELPHIA 1785-1790
by Benjamin Franklin
_A Petition of the Left Hand_
TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE SUPERINTENDENCY OF EDUCATION
I address myself to all the friends of youth, and conjure them
to direct their compassionate regards to my unhappy fate, in order to
remove the prejudices of which I am the victim. There are twin
sisters of us; and the two eyes of man do not more resemble, nor are
capable of being upon better terms with each other, than my sister
and myself, were it not for the partiality of our parents, who make
the most injurious distinctions between us. From my infancy, I have
been led to consider my sister as a being of a more elevated rank. I
was suffered to grow up without the least instruction, while nothing
was spared in her education. She had masters to teach her writing,
drawing, music, and other accomplishments; but if by chance I touched
a pencil, a pen, or a needle, I was bitterly rebuked; and more than
once I have been beaten for being awkward, and wanting a graceful
manner. It is true, my sister associated me with her upon some
occasions; but she always made a point of taking the lead, calling
upon me only from necessity, or to figure by her side.
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