Reflection Paper On Benjamin Franklin

Franklin
1. Franklin is noted for possessing many of the stereotypical American ideals. His perseverance is evident and shows great insight into his personality. It seems that Franklin was constantly striving to become a better person. Early in his autobiography he wrote, “I had such a thirst for knowledge” (Franklin A: 487). He then exclaimed that he often sat in his room, reading the greatest part of the night, and then his father critiqued his work (Franklin A: 488). He would set out to improve his skills, often doing exercises before or after work or on Sundays (Franklin A: 490). Trying to improve his language skills was a priority for him. Franklin’s perseverance in trying to improve himself could be viewed as relating to Locke’s tabula

He assumed that all errors can be corrected and that one can simply start anew by exercising one’s will and determination. As an individual with purpose and intelligence, you can control your destiny. Franklin notes no reference to chance occurrences or death, things that can affect opportunities but, in a young democratic society, his ideals resonated with the public.
3 Two of the most instrumental parts of Benjamin Franklin’s life were his education specifically, reading and writing. At a very early age, he was placed in school for the purpose of learning. It is noted that he was fond of reading as a child and had a thirst for knowledge (Franklin A: 487). His father, seeing his skill in this area, sent him to be a printer. Franklin ultimately published a newspaper when the opportunity arose from his

Franklin’s philosophy of over 200 years ago is still applicable today, although, his methodology of being extremely organized is questionable.
6. Benjamin Franklin’s utilized his thirteen virtues as a method to guide his life. By following these virtues, with a concerted effort, he could make himself a better person. It was Franklin’s belief that the rules could be controlled by the individual. He also stated that it was in “our Interest to be completely virtuous” (Franklin A: 534). In order to develop character, Franklin believed that a person had to be systematic and orderly and developed a list of thirteen virtues which became his system. Franklin had become disenchanted with what he felt were rules to guide his conduct as presented by Presbyterian ministers, which had come from the Apostles. He believed that he could derive a better set of his own rules to guide his conduct, thinking that his rules were more appropriate. To Franklin, a rule was a virtue that was attainable through self-discipline.