There is no denying that Ben Franklin made his mark on the world and achieved more than most people dream of. Whether his model should be the universal model for everyone is not so clear. Ben Franklin was a man who planned for the future, worked hard, and cared greatly about what people thought of him. The problem with Ben Franklin is that he cared so much about what other people thought of him and would do anything to change the way other saw him so much so that his life is almost dictated by the views of others. His methods would work for almost everyone. Hard work and self improvement will most definitely lead you to success, but in Ben Franklins autobiography it seems that his insecurities is what gives him his drive to want improve himself and sometimes his motives do not seem so pure. Ben Franklin went out of his way to show how hard he worked as you can see in this passage "In order to secure my credit and character as a tradesman, I took care not only to be in reality industrious and frugal, but to avoid all appearances to the contrary. I drest plainly; I was seen at no places of idle diversion. I never went out a fishing or shooting; a book, indeed, sometimes debauch 'd me from my work, but that was seldom, snug, and gave no scandal; and, to show that I was not above my business, I sometimes …show more content…
Later after he decides church is useless Ben Franklin makes a moral chart to keep himself in line. He explains what it is for "In this piece it was my design to explain and enforce this doctrine, that vicious actions are not hurtful because they are forbidden, but forbidden because they are hurtful, the nature of man alone considered; that it was, therefore, everyone 's interest to be virtuous who wish 'd to be happy even in this world; and I should,
Benjamin Franklin uses analogies as an attempt to get the delegates attention. As Franklin begins to compare “most men” to “most sects in religion”, he states that people will never say they are in the wrong with their opinion. He believes that men relate to religions because most religions believe that only their religion is right, just like the delegates opinions. He also uses rhetorical devices to inform the secrecy of this meeting. “Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die”(44), Franklin states, wanting to make sure of the confidentiality. Using this device shows the importance of this meeting being
Franklins in his Autobiography, composes the idea of a “self-made-man” by depicting his experiences of his hard work ethic to go from poor to rich. Throughout his writing he explains how he made himself successful. He took chances and was proactive.
Franklin believed that through self restraint and development of ones temperament anyone can achieve a successful life. The process Franklin describes involves cataloging all of the bad habits you do during a period of time and gradually working on reducing each of them to the point where they are almost non existent. However he does note that it is impossible to achieve
Benjamin Franklin was a remarkably talented man. He started his life as a printers apprentice, but went much farther then there. He developed things that were far more advanced than the time. Benjamin Franklin's stove for example, for cold winter nights, and bifocal lenses for reading. Franklin tracked storms to help understand the horrible weather endured by the colonies. But gis study of electricity made him mist famous and he was known world wide as the founder of the lightning rod. Not only was Benjamin Franklin helpful in developing ideas for better living, he was also a strong force in developing the new nation of America. Benjamin Franklins political views showed him to be a man who loved freedom and independence. His views towards England gradually changed from like to dislike until he finally
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most profound individuals in American history. He is a Diplomat, Writer, Inventor, a founding father, and holds the title as the “First American.” In 1706 Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony. He is the fifteenth of seventeen children that his father, Josiah Franklin, had. At the age of 8 years old Franklin attended school, here he learned literacy. In spite of his successes in school, he had to drop out at the young age of 10 to assist his father with his business. Franklin did not enjoy working for his father’s business, however he had to work at his father’s shop for about 2 years. Josiah then had Benjamin apprenticed to his little brother, James, who was a printer. James is the founder
In the American tradition Franklin stands as a man who preached thrift, frugality, industry and enterprise as the "way to wealth." He grew to maturity in an American tradition that was older than he was, according to which such virtues as thrift and industry were not enough to bring a man success; he had also to practice charity and help his neighbor. Wealth was a token of esteem of the Divine Providence that governs men's affairs, and thus the accumulation of riches was not sought for its own sake alone. Furthermore, wealth and position, being marks of the divine favor, conferred an obligation; a successful man was a "steward," holding the world's goods in trust for the less fortunate. This "Protestant ethic" was a common denominator of Calvinistic Boston where Franklin spent his boyhood and of Quaker Philadelphia where he grew to young manhood.
In Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography, Samuel Keimer is a character who represents the antithesis of Franklin. The development of Keimer not only improves the reader’s understanding of the minor character, but also of Franklin, the major character. Franklin makes a point of showing the reader each of Keimer’s faults and contrasting them with his own merits.When Keimer is first introduced to the reader, he is in very much the same circumstances as Franklin; they are two young men trying to make a fresh start in a new town, the only difference being Keimer’s economic, and thereby social, advantage. In comparison to Franklin, however, Keimer is a flawed and immoral man; this difference is what makes him the ideal model for Franklin to scrutinize. As Benjamin Franklin consistently moves up the social and economic ladders, more than surpassing Keimer’s achievements, Keimer quickly falls into poverty and loses everything. “With the rest I (Benjamin Franklin) began to live very agreeably; for they all respected me, the more as they found Keimer incapable of instructing them, and that from me they learned something daily.”1 Franklin goes into great detail to teach the reader how one should live one’s life in order to avoid the same fate as Keimer.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a representation of the new prospect of upward mobility in colonial America during the 18th century and the development of the Age of Reason, which assisted in the conception of the idea of the “American Dream”; a dream that includes fundamentally social ideals such as democracy, equality, and material prosperity. Furthermore, Franklin’s autobiography exemplifies a significant shift in focus from religion to enlightenment and reason. Additionally, there were forces specific to Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia, that played an important role in his perspectives and the changes that occurred within colonial America during the 18th century.
Ben Franklin created his legacy and wrote about it in his book to his son William Franklin. Ben wrote about his struggles with not having enough money to owning a printing factory where he printed papers and he and his 15 brothers owned one of the first newspapers in United States. He wrote the book because he was estranged to his son William. His son William was a loyalist and after the U.S signed the declaration of Independence he was put in prison for about 3 years. The whole time he was in prison he was trying to contact the loyalist party overseas and in America. He then later returned to England and was the spokesman for the loyalist party in England. He was doing research on his ancestors so he decided to write a book for his son to tell him what his life was about when he was younger.
In The Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin recounts the many paramount experiences throughout his life that shaped him into great American figure he was known to be. On the opening page, Franklin reveals the book’s epistolary format by writing, “Dear Son,” going on to admit that he’s made some mistakes in the past and to recollect that past is a way to relive it. By divulging his desire to “change some sinister Accidents & Events” (Franklin 3) the author indicates how important it is for his son to observe as he amends his mistakes. Pride, virtue and vanity play a pivotal role in Benjamin Franklin’s life and the way he portrays himself to others. Instances occur where the author is shown gloating about his great accomplishments and he puts emphasis on his need to live a virtuous and morally perfect life. Throughout his story, Benjamin Franklin tells his son of his many virtuous acts and momentous achievements, motivating the question as to whether he seeks his own approval more so than the approval of his peers.
"Of two things you can be certain; death and taxes," quoted Benjamin Franklin. Having a humorous outlook on life, Franklin tried to make others' lives better. Benjamin was a man who served others and tried to make the world its best until his death. Benjamin Franklin had many accomplishments. He had a busy and eventful life, he played a major role in defending his country, and he was known for his quotes. Franklin was always working to make something better.
Many of the setbacks that Ben Franklin has had in his life are looked at by some people to be considered flaws that contribute to hypocrisy. He was a great individual, maybe not perfect, but he did many things for the well being of our nation. He is one of the frontrunners of modern society with his inventions and discoveries. His experiments go beyond the major things such as electricity, every thing that he has done in his life was an experiment. He tried to be the perfect individual and a teacher of perfection. I think he did a very good job of accomplishing his goals and we should look up to him as being not only a down to earth person, but also a person that has risen to supremacy.
All of Benjamin Franklin’s actions make us believe that these virtues are the way he intends to live his life for the rest of his life. Benjamin Franklin elf examined himself constantly and criticized his actions to change the ways he was carrying out certain stuff. Franklin divided up his day making sure that every hour and very minute was spent doing something productive- 6th virtue-. He explains why he uses such extensive meaning to describe the virtues that some find “outrageous”. For example, he has a particularly hard time with achieving the 13th virtue-Humility- and that is why he defined it as “Imitate Jesus and Socrates”. These two men are great men that some find impossible to imitate. This caused people to think of these virtues as a joke. However, imitating these two men is possible, in one’s own way. One can imitate their actions and incorporate their qualities into ones’ own character. The imitation of these two men would certainly solve Benjamin Franklin’s of being thought of as proud and would also solve other problems that Benjamin Franklin has with
Benjamin Franklin's moral and social philosophies inspired and continue to inspire millions around the globe. Becoming a "self-made man" is a long and arduous task. Improve yourself, which will in return improve the society. Contradiction is inevitable when trying to follow strict ideals. Franklin's purpose was to make people aware of their inclinations and to help them overcome the natural tendencies of man, which would limit our dependence on other people. Benjamin Franklin is an inspiration to us all.
A founding father would never condone farts and bragging about flirting skills, it would be too childish and immature for them, Benjamin Franklin was different. Benjamin Franklin was known as the “Fun One” of the founding fathers (Setton). “Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706” (The Franklin Institute). Benjamin was the eight child and his family had two more after him. As a child Ben enjoyed reading and writing. Ben taught himself how to do many things, “He built himself wooden paddles for his hands and feet to help him swim faster”. At an early age Ben Franklin was taken out of grammar school and sent to work at his father’s candle shop. Ben would have rather wanted to work at sea or at someplace to deal with books. After working at his father’s store for two years he changed professions, “To return: I continued thus employed in my father's business for two years, that is, till I was twelve years old; and my brother John, who was bred to that business, having left my father, married, and set up for himself at Rhode Island, there was all appearance that I was destined to supply his place, and become a tallow-chandler” (“Benjamin Franklin His Autobiography 1706-1757”). Benjamin Franklin became a printer after his brother returned home and set up a printing press in Boston, “1717 my brother James returned from England with a press and letters to set up his business in Boston”. Ben left the press and went to find another after a quarrel with his brother. Benjamin Franklin’s role in writing the constitution and inventing many scientific advancements impacted the world and a good way. ...