What is Franklin's view of human nature? What traits or capacities seem to define human nature for Franklin? What does his life story show about the most important resources or powers that an individual has at his disposal for guiding and shaping his life? Is the self a stable, unchanging entity in Franklin?
I personally think that Benjamin Franklin view human nature as flawed. This is right because no one is perfect including himself. When he came to realize an important thing when dealing with others when he became a Deist, he valued integrity, sincere, and truth. Later, he also creates a list of 13 virtues (Temperance, silence, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and
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I cross'd these columns with thirteen red lines, marking the beginning of each line with the first letter of one of the virtues, on which line, and in its proper column, I might mark, by a little black spot, every fault I found upon examination to have been committed respecting that virtue upon that day." (Franklin 79). This is so-called the "moral perfection" of Benjamin Franklin that he followed strictly to train himself. In his reading and self searching, these are the virtues that he hope it could benefit people from all religions. "My list of virtues at first contains but 12; but a Quaker friend having kindly informing me that i was generally thought proud...and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning of the word." (86). Franklin was told by a friend that he always thought and talked with pride in everything. This show that he is imperfect, no one is perfect, and he has to train on to improve himself on all these 13 virtues and hurges other to do the same to improve themselves. "I cannot boast much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue, but i had a good deal with regard to the appearance of it...." (86) this virtue change the way Franklin engaging conversation with others, even when