Aphorisms Galore!

Help please

posted 2002 by Clark Richter

Im having some trouble interpreting an aphorism from Poor Richard's Almanac, by Benjamin Franklin. It reads as follows, "What maintains one vice, brings up two children." Any explanation would be helpful, I'm absolutly stumped.

Comments

Re: Help please  ·  posted 2005 by Leonid Sukhorukov

Dear Clark,

I've noticed your message only right now, sorry. It means one vice multiplies by two too quickly.

Best wishes and Happy New Year,

Leonid

Re: Help please  ·  posted 2003 by K Harlan

Clark, Perhaps Mr. Franklin refers to the cost of one's vice, say, alcoholism. The amount one spends buying that daily sixpack could better be spent on groceries for your two kids.