Paying It Forward: Fish smells after three days #131
Poor Richards almanac's anecdote from the 18th century describes how the joy of visitors and change wears off. We love change, just not too much. Consider volunteering to change another's life.
Jack Browne, Wichita Falls Times Record News edition, Sunday September 6, 2025
‘Poor Richard’s Almanac’, published by Benjamin Franklin, appeared continually from 1732 to 1758.
One anecdote stuck with me for 60 years, ‘Fish and visitors both smell after three days.’
My grandfather received his doctor of philosophy degree in geography and educated many teachers. His inspiration was his illiterate mother, unable to read or write.
My father received bachelor and master’s degrees in chemistry before becoming an engineer in aerospace, following his lifelong love of airplanes.
As we visited his parents on their farm, Poor Richard’s advice stuck in my mind. After three days, the adult discussions became debates.
My dad saying, ‘I can’t believe studying the Permian Basin, you didn’t capitalize on the potential for oil.’
And his mother sharing her disappointment that my father didn’t receive a PhD as well.
Recently a friend shared a visit with his daughter and granddaughter as she came to help him deliver water to a Hotter ‘N Hell rest stop.
He and his wife enjoyed the visit as he spent driving time with his daughter and his wife had one-on-one time with her grandbaby.
Poor Richard’s story came to mind again as he shared, ‘Come Sunday, we both helped them get their suitcases into the car for the trip home.’
Routine is disrupted when visitors come. Initial joy at new and old memories becomes fatigue as some routines are not of interest to visitors but key anchors to the lives we normally lead.
Seasonal adjustments to routines also are disruptive.
One seasonal change I’m looking forward to is getting together weekly during school lunches again with my little brother Keith. I want to hear how his summer went and how he is enjoying fifth grade.
Consider volunteering for a new seasonal routine.
Animal shelters can use the help, as can Wild Bird Rescue and River Bend Nature Center.
Serve at a food bank or a food pantry to help those with food insecurity.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Fire and Scouting make a difference in children’s lives.
There are many ways to add excitement to your life doing something that matters while changing another life for the better.
What’s the point of life? Enjoy being on this side of the dirt while you can.
Jack Browne is a community activist and former technology engineer, sales and marketing executive at Motorola and other top tech companies.
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