Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Autobiography of benjamin franklin part 1 essay articles
Autobiography of benjamin franklin part 1 essay articles
Essay on benjamine franklin
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
A Biography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born into modest circumstances. With sixteen
brothers and sisters, there was no room for selfishness. He learned
early on the importance of putting others before himself and did not
have excessively ambitious plans for the future. As a child, Franklin
"...had a strong inclination for the Sea," but his father would not
hear of it. He ended up indentured to an older brother, who began his
life as a printer. He was a hard worker but preferred to read books,
conquer new subject matter, and engage in debates with other young
scholars. His hard work did pay off in the financial sense later in
life, but of more importance to him was the knowledge and
enlightenment he received through his "hobbies." He became well known
for his work ethic, strong morals and giving persona throughout
Philadelphia, throughout America, and eventually throughout western
civilization. Although he ultimately acquired considerable wealth,
Benjamin Franklin prioritized the betterment of his character,
intellect and reputation over the betterment of his financial
situation.
While still relatively young, Benjamin Franklin laid out guidelines on
how to remain virtuous and content throughout his entire life. These
guidelines contained thirteen virtues which he followed to the best of
his ability. It was a "bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral
Perfection (84)." In this guideline of virtues, Franklin lists
Industry and Frugality. His definition of Frugality goes, "Make no
Expence but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste Nothing
(85)." Following this virtue was beneficial to Franklin throughout hi...
... middle of paper ...
... (97)," so he avoided it at great costs. Franklin was money
conscious, but not money hungry.
Because Benjamin Franklin prioritized the improvement of his
character, intellect, and reputation above all else, he was put into a
situation where obtaining a substantial wealth was relatively easy.
His outstanding character and impressive intellect gained him a
considerable reputation. Consequently, his reputation gained him
additional business and placed him in civic positions, which also
contributed to his income. Wealth, therefore, was a by-product. Being
rich was not as important to Benjamin Franklin as being somebody, and
because he truly became somebody, he was also successful in both a
financial sense and a personal sense. For after obtaining a notable
character, intellect, and reputation, he had conquered his goals.
Franklin believed that through self restraint and development of ones temperament anyone can achieve a successful life. The process Franklin describes involves cataloging all of the bad habits you do during a period of time and gradually working on reducing each of them to the point where they are almost non existent. However he does note that it is impossible to achieve
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, through hard work and perseverance, transformed himself into a philosopher, diplomat, inventor, writer, and scientist. (SOURCE) Franklin’s contributions and ideas significantly encouraged major progress in the development our country and improvements that continue to affect society. He showed that with a strong desire and honest and hard work anything is possible. Unlike most politicians, he was a common person. He is also a hero in that he symbolizes hope and possibilities for many Americans. However, Franklin was not a perfect human being, and for that reason, some believe that his face should not grace the $100 bill. His legacy is undeniably a major part in our history and as one of the key “founding fathers” to our society; the fact reminds Benjamin Franklin is distinct figure in our history. I will present my argument in favor of keeping Franklin on the bill.
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.
...eek. These virtues include temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquillity, chastity, and humility. The Autobiography is not the full story of Franklin’s life. It terminates approximately in his fifty-third year, before he became America’s greatest diplomat.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a representation of the new prospect of upward mobility in colonial America during the 18th century and the development of the Age of Reason, which assisted in the conception of the idea of the “American Dream”; a dream that includes fundamentally social ideals such as democracy, equality, and material prosperity. Furthermore, Franklin’s autobiography exemplifies a significant shift in focus from religion to enlightenment and reason. Additionally, there were forces specific to Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia, that played an important role in his perspectives and the changes that occurred within colonial America during the 18th century.
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.
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston Massachusetts in 1706 Franklin’s father Josiah Franklin was a soap and candle maker, and the father of 10 children. During Franklin’s childhood his father had envisioned Benjamin becoming a student for the ministry. However, the cost of Benjamin’s education would far surpass the means of the Franklin family. As a result Benjamin Franklin was brought to his father’s shop to work as an apprentice and general handyman. Franklin disliked the work at his father’s shop and said in his Autobiography regarding the matter, “I was employed in cutting Wick for candles, filling the Dipping Mold, and the Mold for cast Candles, attending the Shop, going of Errands, etc. I dislik’d the Trade and had a strong Inclination for the Sea; but my father declar’d against it.” At the age of 12 Benjamin was sent to be an apprentice to his brother James who was setting up a printing business in Boston. Benjamin agreed to work for his brother until the age of 21. The printing apprenticeship exposed Franklin to literature, which would become essent...
"Of two things you can be certain; death and taxes," quoted Benjamin Franklin. Having a humorous outlook on life, Franklin tried to make others' lives better. Benjamin was a man who served others and tried to make the world its best until his death. Benjamin Franklin had many accomplishments. He had a busy and eventful life, he played a major role in defending his country, and he was known for his quotes. Franklin was always working to make something better.
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.
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.
For example, he wanted to achieve virtues of being just, orderly, and a few other virtues can be used for other things other than being good for oneself. Franklin also seems to be a little obsessed with bettering oneself and perfecting oneself. To me, this seems like it could end up being an unhealthy way of living and achieving ones goals. Another thing that gives me reason to believe that Benjamin Franklin had anterior motives when publishing these virtues for moral perfection is that he never talks about religion because he believes that this will cause it to appeal to people of all religions. Why would Benjamin Franklin care that his virtues appeal to all religions if this was really about him bettering himself? Maybe this was to help other people better themselves too or was it for people to look up to
There are many men in American History whose lives helped shape the future of not only this nation, but of the world and one man among them is Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin is known for his inventions, his philosophies, political influence in the American Revolution and his published writings, including his autobiography. Though he is an important man in history, there are some people who say that as a person, Franklin wasn’t someone to be admired. To determine if Franklin is worthy of admiration, many critics review his autobiography and through it, many aspects of his actions and his personality throughout different experiences in his life.
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's moral and social philosophies inspired and continue to inspire millions around the globe. Becoming a "self-made man" is a long and arduous task. Improve yourself, which will in return improve the society. Contradiction is inevitable when trying to follow strict ideals. Franklin's purpose was to make people aware of their inclinations and to help them overcome the natural tendencies of man, which would limit our dependence on other people. Benjamin Franklin is an inspiration to us all.