In 1736 I lost one of my sons, a fine boy of four years old, by the small-pox, taken in the common way. I long regretted bitterly, and still regret that I had not given it to him by inoculation. This I mention for the sake of parents who omit that operation, on the supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a child died under it; my example showing that the regret may be the same either way, and that, therefore, the safer should be chosen.

Summary

This quote by Benjamin Franklin reflects his regret for not inoculating his son against smallpox and serves as a lesson for parents who hesitate to do so out of fear. Franklin strongly believes that the potential regret of not inoculating is no different than the regret of not doing so. He emphasizes that choosing the safer option, even if it involves some potential risks, is the wiser choice. Overall, Franklin urges parents to consider the long-term benefits and weigh the potential consequences of their decisions to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

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