Benjamin Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States. He helped write the Declaration of Independence, and co-wrote the U.S Constitution. However, he is remembered more as the face on the $100 bill than the man that invented electricity. Despite all of his accomplishments and contributions in the United States, Franklin believed himself to be more of a scientist than a political thinker. This irony is evident is his autobiography which does not even discuss the revolution or anything of that nature. Instead we see a full picture of Ben Franklin as a scholar. He was very fascinated with learning and was interested in making a difference in the lives of all mankind. He believed that the way to please God was to help others and …show more content…
By his views on Individualism and his unique process of becoming a better humanitarian, Benjamin Franklin became one of the most respected and well-known figures in American history. I believe Franklin created a window to the eighteenth century with his determination and ideas on individuality by creating the thirteen virtues that helped many Americans discover a direct way of life to success and triumph. Franklin believed that the American Identity was lost, but yet found and with the purpose of America will help people to find their riches. “America was a land of social equality, a place that narrowed the distance between rich and poor; American was home to the self made man, a place where all who contrived to rise co do so.” (Masur, p.16) Franklin’s autobiography was both a life history as well as an instructional piece of work. It represents an autobiography because he discusses how the relationship he had parents, relatives, friends affected his life and decisions as an adolescent. In addition, Franklin mentioned how he enjoyed seeing how their world was like. For example, part one starts off with a letter to his son simply because he wanted to leave part of him behind; a piece of work that he learned and slowly discovered thought his lifetime …show more content…
However, Franklin was an early proponent of physical fitness. In an age when few people knew how to swim, Franklin taught himself how to swim. He was an avid swimmer all his life and even contemplated becoming a full-time swim instructor. Benjamin Franklin is the only founding father in the Swimming Hall of Fame. During his first trip to England, Franklin found work in a print shop where most of the apprentices and journeymen spent much of their time getting drunk. Franklin knew that the mind and body was much more productive when it was not impaired by alcohol. Instead of drinking beer, Franklin decided to drink water and encouraged his co-workers to follow his lead. Although he wasn't successful at convincing all his colleagues to change their ways, Franklin's clear-headed work and productive physical strength (most printers would carry a single tray of heavy lead type; Franklin was known for usually carrying two trays) were recognized, and he was promoted. Franklin wanted to improve his mind and his health and found a practical way to do both at the same time. Books were very expensive in Franklin's day, and as a youth, he didn't have much extra money. Franklin decided to become a vegetarian. He believed that eating a vegetarian diet was healthier than a diet filled with meat. In addition, meat was much more expensive, so by becoming a vegetarian, Franklin could save money to spend on
The Declaration of Independence refers to “our constitution”, in this respect they were referring to the Ancient British Constitution. The United States was expressing the fundamental aspects of British politics; among these were Classic Republicanism, Enlightenment Liberalism, and Protestant Christianity. In the Declaration they balanced all of these English traditions; expressing what they believed to be the true spirit of the British Constitution. As Edmund Burke would say, “(the Revolution) was carried out not to create new liberties but to preserve old ones” (Wood, p. 58). The main issue that the colonies had with the British following 1763, was England’s belief in the doctrine of
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 well-known men on earth! Everyone knows who he is, but not a lot of people have read about him. Mr. Franklin has an Autobiography that was published to us. In pages 411 through 417 of Benjamin Franklin Autobiography there is three topics Benjamin Franklin touches on when writing these five pages of his Autobiography. To begin with the first topic was about a library he opened up, the second topic he spoke about was about how he respects religion but doesn’t like religion controversy, and last but not least he wrote about thirteen virtues.
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
Benjamin Franklin says, “… under thirteen names of virtues all that at that time occurr'd to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully express'd the extent I gave to its meaning.”1However, the annexed perception, though he might believe his intentions were clear and full, may be elaborated on; He does so throughout his book. Also, some of the values Benjamin Franklin mentions in his autobiography could be seen in another one of his books, The Way to Wealth. Although The Way to Wealth is more financially oriented, the lessons learned there could be applied to daily life. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and The Way to Wealth both believe that frugality is an important virtue.
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.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence for the American colonists to proclaim freedom from Great Britain's oppressor, King George III. American colonists had been suffering for many years when this important document was drafted. King George III had pushed the colonists into a state of tyranny and most decided it was time to start an independent nation under a different type of government. Jefferson focused his piece toward many audiences. He wanted not only King George III and the British Parliament to know the American's feelings, but also the entire world. The time had come for an immense change amongst the American colonists and Jefferson made sure everyone was aware of it by using his superior strategies of persuasion.
Enhancing one's life was inherently important to Benjamin Franklin as he began to notice what did and did not work for him at the young age of ten. Franklin sought out the next best thing not matter where that opportunity was seen. This theme of improving ones life is mentioned originally here,
The Declaration of Independence includes four parts. The first part is the Preamble, which explains why the Continental Congress drew up the Declaration. They felt their reason should be explained to England.
There are many important factors in the Declaration of Independence, which enable the foundation of a new government. These range from describing grievances with England, to how government should be run differently, to the first statement of separation. The first step to the foundation of a new government is the uniting of a people in a common goal. Since all people were feeling violated by English soldiers, it was necessary to state these grievances in order to make people aware that they are not alone. When people learned that others felt the same as them emotion was stirred. The Declaration of Independence listed the grievances such as, “He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.” The next important step to the foundation of a new government was to gain peoples ambition by showing how the government would be run if a new party took over. This goal was achieved by stating the rights of man. “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.” This statement made people hopeful and feel kindly toward this new government. The final step in the preparation for a new government was separation from the old government. This was declared twice in the Declaration of Independence. In the beginning, “That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, driving their just powers from the consent of the governed,” and in the end, “that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence was able to motivate people, give them ambition, and made it simple for Americans to take action.
True heroes are noted as those who act with altruistic intentions for the sake of others. Unselfish attempts to improve not just one’s self, but also his society, is impeccably portrayed in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Initially proposed for his son, William, Benjamin Franklin reminisces his past struggles and accomplishments in influencing this country. With hopes to educate not only his son but the people of America. Benjamin Franklin recalls his wrongdoings and advises other potential citizens of self-improvement, epitomizing his own life from owning a successful newspaper company to being established in the House. Benjamin Franklin is America’s true hero as he provided opportunities of education, virtue, and improvements for American life.
Benjamin Franklin was born in the year 1706 in Boston. He was his father’s, Josiah Franklin, fifteenth child. One could be certain that when Benjamin was still a boy, he would have never thought of himself as a potential American hero of sorts. He just did not contain the typical standards of a “hero.” Benjamin had not taken part in any outstanding military conquests and did not rescue any damsels in distress. Franklin did on the other hand, help create a more ingenuous society based more on reason and logic, rather than the cultural norm of just doing what one is told to do. His achievements in this field as well as others helped him become a true archetypal American. In the 1700s, as well as in modern
Writer, printer, scientist, leader, inventor, and “rebel with a cause” are few of the many careers that Benjamin Franklin has been renowned for over the years. All of them truly reflect the abilities that he deployed during the birth of our nation. These qualities have also acknowledged a superb leader who serves as a prominent model and founding father to today’s generation.
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most influential and famous figures of all time. Ben Franklin if often referred to as the "self-made man," and his philosophies and principles in the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Louis P. Masur, has served as a self-help book for millions around the world. Franklin's Autobiography is a prime example of the American dream, a rag to riches story that has inspired many people to think of themselves and the community in a different light. Franklin's moral and social philosophies are packed deeply into his Autobiography. Franklin believed that improving ones self was the key to success. Self-improvement, self-education, and self-discipline are the main factors of a self-made man. Improving yourself will ultimately improve the society as a whole. Franklin speaks of principality and inclination. His idea was to produce the principle man with the awareness of man's natural inclination. Throughout the text Franklin provides examples from his own life that contradicts his moral and social philosophies. These contradictions are mostly caused by natural inclinations. Franklin uses these contradictions to educate people to be aware of their natural inclinations and to try and overcome them. Franklin's realizes that improving oneself is a road with many imperfections. Not even the "self-made man" was completely perfect.
All Americans recognize the familiar name, Benjamin Franklin. Whether it be from discovering that lightning is energy, creating the lightning rod, or co-writing the Declaration of Independence. “Benjamin Franklin–one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America–was an author, political theorist, scientist, musician, inventor, and the list goes on and on” (Fabrega). One aspect of his life that Benjamin Franklin is less widely known for is his plan for self-improvement. “In 1726, at the age of 20, Ben Franklin set his loftiest goal: the attainment of moral perfection” (McKay & McKay) There were many effects of Benjamin Franklin’s plan for self-improvement, including his own happiness, becoming a more moral person, and leading others to attempt to be a better person.