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»Man, a rational creature!« said Franklin.
"Come, let us suppose a rational man.
"Strip him of all his appetites, especially his hunger and thirst.
"He is in his chamber, engaged in making experiments,
"Or in pursuing some problem.
"At this moment a servant knocks. 'Sir,
"'dinner is on the table.'
"'Ham and chickens?' 'Ham!'
"'And must I break the chain of my thoughts to
"'go down and gnaw a morsel of damned hog's arse?'
"'Put aside your ham; I will dine tomorrow;'
Take away appetite, and the present generation would not
Live a month, and no future generation would exist;
and thus the exalted dignity of human nature etc. .....
Mr Adams to Mr Jefferson, 15 Nov. 1813.
[Canto 31]
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