13 Virtue In Benjamin Franklin's 7 Habits

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In a world of adversity, Chris Gardner and his son Christopher fought through trials and tribulations just to make ends meet. In the movie Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner refused to give up hope as he held on to the strength of his creation of a bone density scanner. In every part of this movie Gardner portrayed many of Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues; As well as demonstrating the use of Covey's 7 Habits. Chris Gardner represented many of Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues throughout his struggling story; But the virtues that stood out heavily was tranquility and industry. Tranquility is defined as "Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable" according to PBS (PBS, n.d.). In simpler words, tranquility is shown as remaining …show more content…

A great aspect Chris Gardner aligned with in Benjamin Franklin's story was never giving up. Franklin believed in himself when others doubted that he would be successful with the printing house; The narrator stated, “he said he was sorry for me, for Philadelphia was a sinking place, the people already half bankrupts,” (Franklin,1996, pg.45). Being knowledge of his own strength and weakness, Gardner didn’t let any investors belittle him or take his creation for granted. By doing this Chris Gardner upholds the virtue of tranquility well. Covey’s (1989) first habit is prominent in Chris Gardner’s story as well. The first habit “Be Proactive, Personal Vision,” stated that “Fosters courage to take risks and accept new challenges to achieve goals” (pg.8). As previously said Chris Gardner’s life is a testimony to the saying, “What matters the most is how we respond to what we experience in life” (Convey, 1989, pg.1). The circumstances of Chris’s family became worse and worse but he continued to keep his faith and push on. Responding positive to the state of …show more content…

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