Final answer:
The Franklin aphorism suggests that a person's habits or character are hard to change, reflecting humanity's tendency to resist change and maintain comfortable patterns of thought and behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
This aphorism by Franklin means a person's habits or character are difficult to change. Inherent to human behavior is the resistance to change, which can stem from various factors including fear of the unknown, comfort in the familiar, and the desire to maintain relationships with those who share similar beliefs and habits. The process of changing one's beliefs or behaviors often requires deep introspection and a willingness to step out of comfort zones. Philosophers like Confucius, for example, illuminate human nature and personal development by emphasizing the role of habits and the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, echoing the sentiment that change in personal disposition is a gradual and often challenging process.
'Learn avidly. Question it repeatedly. Analyze it carefully. Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.' This Confucian quote exemplifies the effort needed to change one's habits or character. In essence, the aphorism reflects on the human propensity to adhere to established patterns of thinking and behavior, and the substantial effort required to depart from them.