"必要に迫られて良い取引ができた試しはない。"

When you're desperate, it's hard to make a good deal. That's the core idea behind this quote. If you need something urgently, you're less likely to get a fair price or favorable terms because the other person has the upper hand.

This saying harks back to Benjamin Franklin, who was known for his practical wisdom and common-sense approach to life. He saw how people often compromised too much when they were in a tight spot, and wanted to highlight how these situations often lead to bad decisions.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture Sarah, who’s in the market for a car. Her old one just broke down, and she needs a new vehicle fast to get to work. Because she's in a bind, she rushes to the nearest dealership and ends up buying a car that's not really what she wanted. It's over her budget, has a few minor issues, but she feels she has no choice. The dealer, seeing her urgency, doesn’t offer any discounts or extras. In the end, Sarah spends more than she should have, and she’s stuck with a car that isn’t quite right.

So, how do you avoid finding yourself in Sarah’s shoes? First, try to plan ahead whenever possible. It’s not always feasible, but having a backup plan can save you from making hasty decisions. If you can’t plan ahead, take a moment to breathe and assess your options. Maybe borrow a car from a friend for a week, or use public transport temporarily. This gives you time to look around and make a more informed choice.

Imagine another scenario. You're at the airport, and your flight's been canceled. Everyone's scrambling to rebook, but you notice something—people are panicking and taking whatever they can get. But you, knowing Franklin’s wisdom, stay calm. You take a moment to check online options, maybe even call a few airlines directly. Because you're not in a rush, you find a better flight, maybe even a cheaper one. And while others are still stressing at the counter, you’ve secured a great deal.

When applying this wisdom, think about the times you’ve felt pressured. Did you make the best decision? Probably not. Next time, remember that a little patience can go a long way. Sure, it’s hard to stay calm when you’re under pressure, but try to detach emotionally and think logically. Take a step back, weigh your options, and don’t let urgency drive you into a bad bargain.

In the end, this is about balance. Life throws curveballs, and sometimes you can’t avoid being in a tight spot. But by keeping your cool and considering your choices carefully, you’re more likely to make decisions you won't regret. So next time you're faced with a pressing need, remember Franklin’s words and don’t rush into a bad deal—sometimes, taking a moment can save you a lot of trouble down the road.