Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labour wears, while the used key is always bright.
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Commentary
Neglect has its own kind of erosion. Unused strength does not stay preserved by being left alone.
Franklin is not praising frantic activity. He is noticing that meaningful use keeps a person, a craft, and even a character from corroding in idleness.
The image works because rust feels passive until the damage is obvious. So does drift.
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Commentary