Why did benjamin franklin use the pseudonym “richard saunders” when writing poor richards almanac?

The name Richard Saunders was inspired by the name of a London almanac writer named Richard Saunders who was an English physician and astrologist.

The naming of “Poor Richard’s Almanac” was based on a another almanac called Poor Robin. There is some humor behind the naming of his almanac too: Poor Richard’s sounds like an oxymoron (Poor Rich).

Hope this helps, and May the Force Be With You!

-Jabba