One of the most influential individuals in American history was Benjamin Franklin. Franklin a renowned author, printer, politician and U.S. Founding Father, made numerous contributions towards the development and writing of the Constitution of the United States as well as the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin strived to improve himself over the course of his life due to the fact, that “Franklin was a conscious and a conscientious perfectionist”(Arriving at Perfection) that desired to embark on the journey to moral perfection and self improvement through a variety of different avenues. Franklin believed that if he applied the guidance of the thirteen virtues he could achieve moral perfection and improve
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
The American Dream is a concept that we have created which illustrates a perfect life. Growing up, we are taught that we can be anything we dream of as long as we put our mind to it. We view ourselves and our country as the best, since we believe that we can achieve any goal with effort and perseverance. As stated in John Steinbeck’s “Paradox and Dream,” we are strong believers of our beliefs and “seem to be in a state of turmoil all the time, both physically and mentally”. We have made it appear as if the American Dream can be achieved as we are diligent, well inherited individuals that could make anything possible as long as we have the mentality and commitment to accomplish it.
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
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.
To begin with, Benjamin Franklin is inspirational, The reason why he is inspirational franklin is a frugal, Inoffensive, Thrifty citizen, He said no one would fail because everyone could do it, And his role in the American Revolution. Moreover was also an inspiration, The reason why he is because he, A hero save many other people citizens, Also he participated in a long history of fighting britain. Benjamin franklin was a hero because of the honor, He brought our country in the American Revolution, And Benjamin Franklin involved the political opposition of his illegitimate, loyalist son, William.
The American dream is something that we all strive for in one way or another. Whether it’s being equal to the people around you, or having freedom to be successful in whatever you want in life. But for the characters in Of Mice and Men it is the dream of owning land and being independent from everyone else. But the American Dream is not something that is given to you, it includes work ethic, knowing that the dream may be impossible and the sacrifice that may have to be made. These are all things that George and Lennie and other characters in the book have to do to eventually reach the American dream.
"A Raisin In the Sun" a play written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959, is about a low class African American family living in a constant struggle of achieving their wants and desires. Throughout this play, there is one recurring theme. The American Dream. The American Dream is "A national ethos of the United States, a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers." In other words, a life without struggling. Each individual character has a different perception on what "The American Dream" means to them. In the duration of this play, you'll learn just exactly what it means to these characters,
American Dream has many different definitions in this day and age. For some it 's starting from little and making their way up to a successful prosperous life. For others it 's reaching happiness and a family. And for some the American dream is freedom but however the American dream is portrayed they all have something in common and that is happiness. My definition of the American Dream is someone who starts from nothing and makes their way through life in a happy and healthy way. Not everyone is capable of reaching the American dream. In Of Mice and Men the American dream was not reached by Lennie and George. In A Raisin in the Sun, they too did not reach the American dream. The American dream is a difficult thing to accomplish even though many live their lives trying got achieve this dream.
Robert Middlekauff starts off by introducing Benjamin Franklin as a well-mannered and civic-minded individual who is loved by everyone. Of course, Benjamin Franklin was a little bit reserved when it came to strangers, but that never stopped people from growing fond of him. His good heart and spirit lead him to amazing people like Margaret Stevenson (Polly), John Adams, William Strahan, and Thomas Jefferson to name a few. Besides from having a well-liked personality Robert Middlekauff also reveals that Benjamin Franklin was a curious man who came equipped with an outstanding resumé. Benjamin Franklin’s resumé starts from a print shop to a politician, and finally to a scientist. Having worked in different
When I think about energy and persistence I think about the leaders of our country past and present. These leaders had to have energy to be persistent and fight for what needed fought for. Benjamin Franklin was one of our Founding Fathers and he achieved many things in his life. In order to achieve these things he had to use his energy and persistence. The quote, “Energy and persistence conquer all things,” applied then, applies now, and will always apply.
Our Nation would not be where it is today if it were not for Benjamin Franklin's passion for liberty and freedom. It is difficult to grasp the vast accomplishments he has achieved. His ambition, intelligence, and morality are few of the many character attributes, which make Franklin a remarkable hero. The brilliant man was a genius known for his wit and wisdom that helped America reach its goals.
The term, “American dream,” was first used by historian James Truslow Adams. James stated that the American dream was, “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.” Although the quote states a perfect definition of the American dream, this term can be interpreted in several ways. The American dream is achieving a goal that before was seen as impossible or unlikely, making a decision that could improve the life of future descendants, and having goals that you want to accomplish.
Benjamin Franklin presents a truthful and unbiased version of himself. In an excerpt “from The Autobiography” Franklin shows a pieces of his personality in actions; Franklin also admits to making mistakes. Personality traits like kindness when young Franklin offers payment to several people for the help he receives. However, because these people refuse the shilling “on account of my [Franklin’s] rowing; but I [he] insisted on their taking it” (Franklin 90). This shows that Benjamin Franklin is kind because no matter how much money Franklin possesses, he offers a portion of his money to people in exchange for help. In a different act of Franklin 's, traits like kindness and helpfulness is shown. While Franklin is taking a journey from Boston