There were a lot of American men who had perfect influence on people’s mind of American society. Jonathan Edward and Benjamin Franklin were two of those writers, who were the most important and intellectual men, who left behind many admirable works for the future society. In spite of them being so intelligent, they have some different and similar views in terms of morality, personal responsibility, human nature, and limits of human knowledge and inform people how to live a better life. In addition, they were different in terms of religious inclinations.
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. Beginning his career, Franklin was much of an amateur in his profession, though he showed much promise. Franklin never gave up on achieving his career and life goals, which is why he is someone worth imitating; he is the ultimate example of an Archetypal American.
Modern American identity revolves around self improvement. Americans seek to improve themselves in all areas of life, be it socially, financially, or physically. Americans accomplish these goals through education and observing the successes of others. Benjamin Franklin, a man who is frequently admired by fellow Americans, embodies many of these qualities and, as such, has become an archetype of success and of what it means to be American. Benjamin Franklin is an archetypal American because of his values of self-improvement, community-mindedness, and frugality.
Through his efforts to influence and inspire the world, Benjamin Franklin led America to reach new heights that would eventually make it the strongest nation known to man. As one of the most involved men in the United States during his time, he managed to transform America and change it into the country its citizens love today. There are many ways that Franklin provoked the lives of the American people during his life. Even after his death, the whole nation carried on its motivation that was sparked by Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s life was greatly influenced by Renaissance idealism. He was very inspired by the world around him and decided to pursue many aspects of the world which he found interesting. Most would say he was
I chose The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin. I am very familiar with it because I did a project on it, so I will be able to explain it in greater detail than if I had chosen another story. It was quite enjoyable and informative, too, so I find it interesting to discuss. The Autobiography is about Franklin’s journey to become a better person. He originally wanted to become perfect, but he was never able to achieve this goal.
The advantage of having many past experiences and being an old man is a great way to get attention from others. A wise old man who is willing to take any judgement or risk for what is best for his country and the people. Benjamin Franklin , author of the “Speech in the Convention” (1787), persuade his audience with the rhetorical techniques, by comparing the delegates through allusions and humbling his own ethos in order to convince the congress to pass the constitution by its flaw.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin 's life was full of interest, public service, and his legacy made him a good leader and a good citizen. Franklin is one of the most extraordinary human beings the world has ever known. He was an enlightened American and a good citizen. He rose from obscurity to become one of the greatest men of history. Although Benjamin Franklin will be remembered for his contributions to science and the founding of the United States, in the long run it could well be his personal system of ethics that endures the longest. He was a deeply tolerant man, accepting all others, and he practiced moderation in his life, avoiding extremes of behavior of all kinds. He lived by his personal ethical code, worked out in detail as a young
Arguably one of the most beloved founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin has been an exceptional example of a man pursuing and living the American Dream. Today we have an immense amount primary sources that illuminate the life of Franklin and his ventures including entire volumes of correspondences with a broad spectrum of people and countless articles and pamphlets authored by himself. While these documents provide inclusive information concerning his service to his country, sciences, and other attributable accomplishments, they also paint a picture of a promiscuous man, who undoubtedly reveled in the company of many different companions. And like many white American and white Europeans during the period, he owned slaves for most of his adult
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the key Founding Fathers of the United States as a renowned diplomat that helped build our country’s allyship with France and a civic activist for public institutions. While seen as the original ‘self made man’ of America and the root of the concept know as the ‘American Dream’, others have become critical of Franklin over time. Some believe that while Franklin had good intentions in creating public institutions, that they were primarily made for his own personal gain. Yet when one looks at the moral values of the club Franklin lead and his meticulous tracking of his ideas for individual improvement, it is clear that while Franklin’s scope of betterment may have started with just himself in mind, it
After realizing Franklin needed to change his ways he then came up with thirteen virtues to embody in his life. He took on each virtue at a time fully master it before moving to the next, to make sure he truly did practice what each one ment. Franklin “made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues. I ruled each page with red ink, so as to have seven columns, one for each day of the week, marking each column with a letter for the day” (Franklin 116). The book allowed Franklin to take a step further on his self examination. He strictly followed the schedule of doing one virtue per day. He was eager to see the progress he had made by glancing back at the pages in the book.
Hundreds of years ago, numerous amounts of brave patriots existed, only some actually finding success. In the era of the Revolutionary War, there were nominal amounts of patriots, since many didn’t want to die. However, one of the greatest diplomat ever to live, rose up and took all the will to defend our land and the Constitution. Born in Boston on January 17, 1706, young Franklin struck out on his own in 1723, eventually finding success when leading America to its pinnacle (Heath par. 2). Franklin was the only natural philosopher, who earned a reputation in all of America and Asia. Traveling thousands of miles, place to place, he worked dedicatedly to improve the status of America. His impact in America came through his various inventions,
When writing any type of composition, is the author consciously aware of who their audience will be? Benjamin Franklin started writing an autobiography of his life when he was about sixty-five years old. This self-narrative was written about Franklin’s life goals and accomplishments. The subject of who Franklin’s intended audience comes into question throughout the self-narrative. Many people think that The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is written to or for Franklin’s son, however it seems to be written to the general public.
Benjamin Franklin played many roles rather than just being the president. He was well known in the eighteenth century, especially in the western world of the eighteenth century. At the time Benjamin Franklin was the center for everyone and there is no doubt he was a piviotal part of many people’s lives. Benjamin Franklin lived in heart’s of many for many reasons in particularly for his hard work in gaining independence for the United States. Franklin also had a hand in establishing the U.S. as a nation. He did this by forming the first public library. Franklin was important too many individuals that changed lives by, providing opportunities that included public services more than science. Add more
Despite differences between Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass, such as ethnicity, social class, and upbringing etc., both gentlemen embody qualities that have become associated with an iconic American Identity. These qualities can be broken down into core values, characteristics, traits, and virtues.
Benjamin Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States. He was a brilliant and a creative man. He was experienced in many different fields. For example, he was an important diplomat, a talented inventor, and a famous author after publishing his own autobiography. In general, he was a polymath who had an important role in the early life of America. He had many quintessential factors about him and many admired him for that. Ambition, hard work, strength, and common sense were clearly displayed in his personality. Franklin had a passion for life and I think that he showed it to us by his many accomplishments. Benjamin Franklin is the ideal American and the one who revealed what is meant by the American dream.