For this writing assignment, my comparison is between the Greek God, Prometheus and the inventor, scientist and one of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Prometheus who played his part as the benefactor of mankind in Greek Mythology, and Benjamin Franklin, who was known for trying to make the world a better place for all people. These two have a few things in common, their general motives and characteristics. One main similarity between the two is they both made and or tried to make contributions to help us humans survive better.
Prometheus was a Titan god in Greek mythology, best known as the deity in Greek mythology who was the creator of mankind and its greatest benefactor, who gave mankind fire stolen from Mount Olympus. Prometheus taught man how to craft tools, showed them how to plant crops and live through
…show more content…
Prometheus for serving mankind, and giving them many gifts to survive and learn and Benjamin Franklin for his is wisdom, tolerance, and intelligence helped to create our government, which our great country would not be complete without. They share the same dedication, fighting for what they believe in no matter what was thrown at them. For example, Prometheus knowingly stole fire from Zeus with there being a chance that he could get caught, and as a result Zeus chained him to a mountain and every day a vulture would come and eat his liver. (Herington 1973:642) Eventually Prometheus created peace and showed Zeus not to hate mankind. (Herington 1973:640-647) As for Benjamin Franklin, he wanted to keep the peace between countries. He started to notice that American and Britain started to drift apart, and he stated, “Being born and bred in one of the countries, and having lived long and made many agreeable connections of friendship in the other, I wish all prosperity to both.” This goes to shoe that Franklin really cared for others, not only the American people, the form other countries as
Both Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin believe compromise should be abandoned in order to lead a better society. Yet, Franklin considers compromising crucial on account of human nature, while Henry regards any hope for compromise futile. Regardless of their views on compromise, these great men molded the incredible country we live in today. By inspiring many to join the revolution or establishing the basis of our current government, Franklin and Henry certainly made their mark on history. Without their contributions, America would be a drastically
Before he went on his endeavor to start a new society, Prometheus used to live in a society that worshipped collectivism and the mindset that being as your peers is crucial. Prometheus even quoted himself, "We strive to be like all of our brothers men, for all men must be alike." Although this was a value instilled in Prometheus since he began living in the Home of the Infants, he still felt the drive to be independent. Even though Prometheus had this drive of independence, he still refused to start his society and tried to allow his intelligence to be bound again. Prometheus offered his invention to the world council, who reacted poorly to his invention. One of the
Emerson and Franklin both had very similar ideas in regard to human behavior, but they believed in opposing outcomes from following these similar life styles. They both believed that by controlling ones desire and impulsive nature one could better themselves and their purpose in society. However their end results are very contrasting, Emerson is bettering himself for the discovery of knowledge, Franklin is bettering himself to improve his image and his money making ability. They also contrast on many of their fundamental beliefs of what the duty of the individuals role in society is. Franklin gives a process by which every individual can better themselves and the public as a whole. Emerson’s ideas on the other hand revolve around the idea of self discovery and the betterment of ones mind through the acquisition of knowledge leading to the Universal Truth.
...he heroic figure in Greek literature by living out the destiny that the gods set out for him.
Different literature writers have many different views about mankind. Many American writers discuss these views. More out spoken American writers spend a great amount of time talking about this topic. In this paper we will look at Benjamin Franklin’s and Jonathan Edwards’ views of mankind by looking at personal background, religious views, and evidence in their writings.
However, despite Zeus’s supremacy over the secret to life, Prometheus proceeded to create mortal humans. In order to generate this species, Prometheus stole fire from Zeus as a sustainability precaution for the humans. As punishment, Zeus nailed and chained the Prometheus to a mountain where he would be forced to endure a bird pecking away his immortal liver each day. Since Prometheus could regenerate his liver nightly, the bird would continually devour his liver (Apollo Library 1.7.1). The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was originally titled The Modern Prometheus since both Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein attempted to bypass the higher power’s entire jurisdiction over life and death, and create people on their own. Both Prometheus and Frankenstein ended up in dire situations which proves that particular aspects of fate ought not to be meddled with, and people should not disregard their allocations. Not only did Prometheus and Frankenstein suffer the direct consequences of their actions, but they were also left to contemplate whether they were responsible for any damage that may be caused by their creations. While Prometheus was eventually rescued by Heracles, who slayed the bird that had plagued Prometheus, Zeus’s second punishment, Pandora-the first woman, would eternally remain on earth. If Prometheus had denied his insatiable cleverness, he would not have
Benjamin Franklin was a very prominent figure in shaping our nation. Many people look at him as a role model or just as an amazing individual. He had his faults just like every human being had, and he shouldn’t be discredited because of a few minor glitches to his character. As being the only person that had signed The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Treaty of Paris, this immediately separates him from all others. One of the things that he wrote about in Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography and Other Writings, was trying to be the ideal person, and even made a list of virtues to live by. His virtues were very important to his lifestyle, and he followed them to a great extent.
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.
Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia is a children’s nonfiction book about Ben Franklin and his life from a boy to a successful adult. This book was written by Margaret Cousins. The 141 pages in the book was published in 1952.
The Greek name Prometheus means “forward thinking” or “foresight”; he is able to see the future. One can infer
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 and Ralph Waldo Emerson want people to realize and develop potential within them. Even though both Franklin and Emerson advocate the notion of self-realization, they come up with different ideas about success, and have various attitudes toward people who are not successful in their perspectives.
Prometheus was especially known as the 'god of fire'. This was so because in one of the myths, Prometheus was said to have stolen the fire from Zeus. Later, Prometheus would pay for this. He was also considered to be a "supreme trickster", 'creator...
One perception of Prometheus' actions views him as a hero: the creator of man, the giver of knowledge, one who is self-sacrificing for the good of others. Meanwhile, there is another perception of Prometheus' actions, which is almost the complete opposite of "Prometheus the Hero." That is the view that Prometheus was more the "usurper of their [the Gods'] powers" (Smith, p. 1) than a hero. It is the two contrasting views of the Prometheus myth that makes its connection to Frankenstein so intriguing. Frankenstein also has a duality in how its story is perceived. Was Victor Frankenstein the archetype of the Promethean hero, or was he the usurper of divine power? Although there are direct parallels between Victor Frankenstein's story and that of Prometheus, there are many differences that contribute to why Frankenstein was subtitled The Modern Prometheus. In following the pattern of a well-known Greek myth, with the addition of her own changes, Shelley makes it clear that Victor Frankenstein is more the usurper of divine power, as opposed to being an archetype of ...
Benjamin Franklin was America's best philosopher, inventor, politician, scientist, business strategist, diplomat, writer and one of America's founding fathers. He grew up from the poor middle class and still made a huge impact on American society. One...