Volume XXIII, Number 25 (Issue 1134) | June 23, 2025
“Prudential Algebra”
Prudential Algebra (aka Moral Algebra) are terms Ben Franklin coined to characterize the process he found helpful when he had to choose between two competing alternatives. It is a methodology he gladly shared with both friends and acquaintances when they too were confounded by the need to make a decision between door number one and door number two – especially whenever the answer was not apparent. And thanks to Franklin’s prolific writings, whether under his own name or that of one of the numerous pennames he found useful, coupled with others careful preservation of his literary works, we too are able to make beneficial use of this handy technique. In fact, I am certain many of us (myself included) have put this methodology to good use even though we had no knowledge of its origin or name(s). You will see what I mean in an excerpt from a letter Franklin wrote to his friend Joseph Priestly.
“… my way is to divide half a sheet of paper by a line into two columns, writing over the one Pro, and over the other Con. Then during three or four days consideration I put down under the different heads short hints of the different motives that at different times occur to me for or against the measure. When I have thus got them all together in one view, I endeavor to estimate their respective weights; and where I find two, one on each side, that seem equal, I strike them both out. [I continue this process of whittling down the two lists until] I find at length where the balance lies.”
Whether or not the system described above is of Franklin’s invention or not, the important thing is we are routinely confronted with the need to make choices – be they between two highly desirable outcomes or two we deem a choice between the lesser of two evils. For instance, let’s say you find yourself in a situation where you have spent many years working for an organization with a phenomenal culture. What is more during your tenure you have been afforded one opportunity after another to expand both your skill set and scope of responsibilities – all of which has given rise to your profound sense of loyalty. But suddenly a new senior executive comes on the scene, and it turns out he is going to be your boss. The problem for you is this new sheriff’s personal style, agenda, behaviors, and moral compass are in sharp contrast to your own. Furthermore, his approach virtually guarantees the culture is going to change in ways that run counter to those that have made the organization such a great place to work. What do you do? Do you stick it out all the while hoping his reign (of terror) will be short-lived, or do you seek to make a change? No doubt, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding both options. But perhaps by making use of Franklin’s Prudential Algebra you can find sufficient clarity as well as confidence in a particular path that you are able to choose a course and not look back later with regret over the route not taken.
The above scenario is but one example of the many types of decisions that regularly confront and sometimes confound us all. My goal in sharing this bit of Franklin’s wisdom is that it may serve as a reminder to most, if not a new tool for some, that can be put to effective use when the inevitable dilemma arises.
PS. No choice between two competing alternatives is also a choice. The problem with the no choice option is you are, in the words ascribed by Leslie Odem, Jr. to no one less than Alexander Hamilton, “throwing away my [your] shot.”
Soli Deo Gloria
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210)260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
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