In his writing a theme that is most prevalent is that of the American dream. Although not coined that yet, as the United States didn’t exist at the time. But right from the beginning Franklin speaks to the fact that he created his success and fortune from nothing but hard work, and intelligence. When describing Franklin’s Autobiography as a primary source, it is important to note that this theme of the American Dream. Most famously from the Declaration of Independence preamble, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” ( Dec. of Ind. Pre.).
Franklin was trying to reach perfection, and this excerpt documents that struggle. Many people try to reach a higher level of humanity, but none are able to achieve it. People will alway be flawed, no matter how they may wish this was not the case. “...I believe this [is] the case of many, who, having, for want of some
Benjamin Franklin, while not specifically trying to define a statesman, wrote a list of twelve virtues he aspired to attain in his attempt at achieve moral perfection. After scouring Christian teachings, Biblical revelations and classical works, he determined that temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality,
Jenna Ball Mrs. Nienstedt Civics 9 9 February 2018 Lord of the Flies Essay Franklin D. Roosevelt once stated, “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country” (Brainy Quotes). The concept of authority being ruled by its followers, giving it power is highly depicted in the film Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Stranded on an island, a party of boys go back and forth between two rulers, each wanting power over the other. Roosevelt 's statement of how giving power to authority is a necessity is demonstrated throughout the film.
Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies Summary Robert Middlekauff starts off by introducing Benjamin Franklin as a well-mannered and civic-minded individual who is loved by everyone. Of course, Benjamin Franklin was a little bit reserved when it came to strangers, but that never stopped people from growing fond of him. His good heart and spirit lead him to amazing people like Margaret Stevenson (Polly), John Adams, William Strahan, and Thomas Jefferson to name a few. Besides from having a well-liked personality Robert Middlekauff also reveals that Benjamin Franklin was a curious man who came equipped with an outstanding resumé.
Although, the Founding Fathers can be viewed as hypocrites and racists from today’s point of view, their views were very common and acceptable in their days. We look at the Founding Fathers today and find some of the things they believed in as very nonsensical and radical, just like how they found the state of Europe two and a half centuries before them very disagreeable. Indeed, not all of the Founding Fathers were the same, they all had varied views, some were quite radical, others more liberal. A very good example of the Founding Fathers that we can discuss in this matter is Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin is known to be an “Archetypal American,” because of his beliefs on religion, self-improvement, hard work, and determination; but also his somewhat prideful spirit. Much of modern America is quite similar to Franklin in his actions throughout his lifetime. In his early years, Franklin’s father, Josiah, had a set plan for what he was supposed to do with his life, as a minister. Soon into his education, he found an interest in reading and writing, so he began pursuing a career in printing.
Benjamin Franklin, a Deist author, kept an autobiographical journal of the areas in his life in which he wished to improve on entitled, The Autobiography. After making a list of these virtues, Franklin writes, “My intention being to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, I judged it would be well not to distract my attention by attempting the whole at once, but to fix it on one of them at a time…”(Franklin 169). He chooses to work on one issue at a time. Franklin used a logical, scientific approach to improving his life. Franklin shows how Deist will recognize a problem or trend and either accept it as truth, or try to fix it.
Benjamin Franklin
Final exam Earlier in the semester we were introduced to John De Crevecoeur’s letters from an American Farmer and Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography. The two books both had strong opinions about what American and what the “New Man” was in American during the 18th century. In the 18th century Benjamin franklin was the man who invented the American dream for many people. His Dream was that through hard work and honesty any man can gain respect in the community; along with deserving prosperity and economic protection. he also believed that American was a place where you could come and have a new start.
Chase Mason Mrs. Dryden American Lit/Comp 11 March 2023 Aphorism/Amendment Benjamin Franklin was the Founding Father of the United States. He was best known for his writing, publishing, and being a political philosopher. He would write political essays, scientific observations, and wise sayings. “Poor Richard’s Almanack” is a book he illustrated to entertain his readers with stories and aphorisms. Another founding father that was known for wisdom was James Madison.
Even when he was a boy, he made a strict schedule which is similar to Benjamin Franklin’s “Thirteen Virtues” to
Franklin values frugality so highly that he refers to as the way to wealth, freedom from debt, and “producing affluence and independence” (Franklin 38). Franklin goes as far as to “avoid all appearances to the contrary [of being frugal]”, by always dressing plainly when out in public and not being seen at expensive, “places of idle diversion” (Franklin 33). Franklin’s combined frugality and humble appearance worked in his favor, as he was seen as a “thriving young man” whom merchants would import stationery for and “others would supply . . . with books” (Franklin 33). This frugality of Franklin’s gave him social standing, success, and riches.
For most people, aspirations and dreams are a part of growing up. For a certain boy in the early 1700’s, his dream was to become a sailor. Even though that specific dream never came true, he diligently worked at everything he came in contact with, whether he liked it or not. That diligence eventually paid off, making him successful at everything he did. This boy was Benjamin Franklin, and his perseverance, hard work, and ingenuity made him one of the most famous Founding Fathers of our country.
One of the main lessons that I absorbed from Benjamin Franklin’s discussions was that success could definitely be achieved, no matter what social status you derive from, by improving one’s mind, body, and behavior. He admirably proved, through his actions, that a human being could prosper through hard work and dedication. I strongly agree with Franklin’s comment, “Knowledge is Power” and his theory that self-improvement is the key to a person’s success. Moreover, although there is no manner of proving if his self-improvement checklist is accurate or even if he followed the regimen, the pure philosophy behind getting rid of one’s defects in order to gain success is inspirational; certainly, this theory would only possible if society was driven
