HW for February 16th - Benjamin Franklin (pp. 66-70, 72)
As we are entering the 18th C...
Read the excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography (pp. 66-68), as well as his letter on "Equality" (69), his comments on the populational growth (70), and his account of a sermon of one of the ministers that contributed to the religioso arrival c. 1730 (p. 72). Comment on Franklin's personality, attitudes and perspectives on his century, choosing at least two of the following topics
- Industry
- Socio-economical factors
- Moral development and discipline
- Religion
P.S. Beacause we will have a long break, read ahead on the development and divisions of the British American colonies, according to Bonwick, "From Settlement to Independence" (pp. 74-84)
Benjamin Franklin was a highly important figure in shaping the USA as we know it today. His perspective regarding morality, religion, and industry, were very significant. His thirteen virtues are widely known and reasonably so. His focus on morality, and the fact that he held it in a higher importance than religion, is intriguing. “…, and were all to me very dry, uninteresting, and unedifying, since not a single moral principle was inculcated or enforc’d, their aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterians than good citizens.” (page 67). Plus, to become a good citizen, Franklin decided to come up with thirteen virtues. He would also produce a regular account of the ones he practiced daily. Stating that “… that it was our interest to be completely virtuous, was not sufficient to prevent our slipping, […] contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established,…” (id.).
ReplyDeleteIn regards to religion, besides sometimes questioning some of the Church’s practices, he was also tolerant (religiously). “Both house and ground were vested in trustees, expressly for the use of any preacher of any religious persuasion who might desire to say something to the people of Philadelphia” (page 72).
Regarding Industry, according to his sixth virtue, “Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions”(page 68). Franklin was coherent and was also in tune with one of the country’s beliefs “…, labor will never be cheap here, where no man continues long a laborer for others, but gets a plantation of his own; no man continues long a journeyman to a trade, but goes among those new settlers, and sets up for himself, etc” (page 70). The land of opportunity was so for anyone who would work for it, as they would soon see their efforts rewarded.
Benjamin Franklin was born into a Presbyterian family, a reformed Calvinist tradition within Protestantism that broke from the Roman Catholic Church. Presbyterians typically emphasize the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ. Although Benjamin Franklin considered these beliefs to be somewhat unintelligible and doubtful, he did believe in the existence of Deity, a Supreme Being, one that made the world and governed it through Providence.
ReplyDeleteInstead of believing in religious dogmas, Franklin understood that the most acceptable service to God was doing good to man, that all crime would be punished, and virtue would be rewarded. Even though he respected all religions, he considered that if they weren’t to inspire and promote moral principles, they would potentially divide people instead of uniting them. As a result, he became increasingly skeptical of traditional religious doctrines as he grew up.
Although during the Great Awakening, Franklin was somewhat fascinated by Reverand George Whitefield’s speeches. During the religious revival, Whitefield, a well-spoken preacher with the emotional power to motivate crowds, helped develop society. The same cannot be said as to Reverand Jonathan Edwards that solely promoted fearful speeches of “Horrors and Hell”. When considering religion, as in most everything else, Franklin practiced discretion “Talking against religion is unchaining a Tiger”, as he put it. (page 69, Lepore, Jill).
Benjamin Franklin proudly considered himself to be a tolerant person towards others, but when it came to himself, he mentioned: “My conduct might be blamable, but I leave it, without attempting to further excuse it”. He takes no excuse for his bad behavior and focuses on getting rid of the bad conduct. Ultimately, Franklin wrote an article entitled “Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion”. Franklin had a moral quest, a quest to attain moral perfection, wishing to live without committing any fault at any time and would fight to the end to conquer bad habits and inclinations. In order to acquire good habits and virtues he composed a moral virtue catalogue, where he daily check-marked thirteen moral virtues, namely: Temperance; Silence; Order; Resolution; Frugality; Industry; Sincerity; Justice; Moderation; Cleanliness; Tranquility; Chastity, and Humility. Discipline was a central theme in Franklin’s philosophy. His dedication to self-discipline and self-improvement is evident in his daily check-mark schedule and his pursuit of good virtues contributed significantly to his success.
Franklin had been a bit prejudice towards Africans, but after visiting a “Negro School” in the Northern Colonies, he mentioned Equality between White and Black “I have conceived a higher opinion of the natural Capacities of the black Race... Their Apprehension seems as quick, their Memory as strong, and their Docility in every Respect equal to that of white Children”. Franklin spoke out his thoughts, especially when they were backed upped with self-evident facts. He was also astonished by the baby boom in the English colonies and with how easy it was for the individual colonial to rise from one social rung to another, in which Franklin himself had set an example in coming “from rags to riches”. An expression that would soon lead to the well-known expression of “The American Dream”.
ReplyDeleteAs an Enlightened thinker, Franklin was a strong advocate of hard work and diligence and contributed to the embodied spirit of the American work ethic, actively engaging in various pursuits such as printing, writing, science, and public service. Leaving a legacy of famous and useful expressions, such as “Early to bed, and early to rise, make a man healthy and wise”; “No gain without pain”; “Work as if you were to live 100 years, pray as if you were to die tomorrow”; “Never leave that until tomorrow which you can do today”.
Franklin’s personality was marked by his industrious nature, commitment to moral development, emphasis on discipline, and pragmatic approach to socioeconomic factors. Franklin’s legacy continues to influence American values and the concept of the self-made individual.
In “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”, Franklin mentions that, although he had been raised as a Presbyterian, he was critical of some religious beliefs, such as “the eternal decrees of God, election, reprobation”. He even mentions the fact that he did not go to the public assemblies of the sect. However, he still had his own spirituality and believed in some of the dogmas defended by the church, like “the existence of the Deity; that he made the world, and govern'd it by his Providence; that the most acceptable service of God was the doing good to man; that our souls are immortal”. It is worth highlighting the importance that virtue had, for Franklin, within a religious sphere, as we can see when he says “and that all crime will be punished, and virtue rewarded, either here or hereafter”. Franklin believed that morality and religion should go hand in hand. The church and its preachers should have the preoccupation of forming good citizens (“since not a single moral principle was inculcated or enforc'd, their aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterians than good citizens”) (“And I imagin'd, in a sermon on such a text, we could not miss of having some morality”).
ReplyDeleteMoreover, when it comes to moral development and discipline, Franklin believed that sincerity and integrity should rule the way we live and interact with others. He admits that he wanted to achieve moral perfection. He wanted to have a perfect behavior, without making any mistakes. However, Franklin later realized that this task would be more difficult than he thought it would be. So, he decided to create something quite intriguing – a list of thirteen virtues, with their precepts. He would then use the list to help him keep track of his behavior, as we can see: “I made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues (…) I cross'd these columns with thirteen red lines, marking the beginning of each line with the first letter of one of the virtues, on which line, and in its proper column, I might mark, by a little black spot, every fault I found upon examination to have been committed respecting that virtue upon that day”. This shows the importance that Franklin gave to morality, discipline and self-examination.
Furthermore, when it comes to socio-economic factors, we can see in “Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc.” that the land in America was so cheap, that even a “laboring man” could, sooner or later, purchase a piece. So, they were not afraid to marry, since they could subsist a family. Franklin highlights differences between America and Europe, commenting on the fact that the Americans marry earlier than Europeans, as we can see: “And if it is reckoned there, that there is but one Marriage per Annum among 100 Persons, perhaps we may here reckon two; and if in Europe they have but 4 Births to a Marriage (many of their Marriages being late) we may here reckon 8, of which if one half grow up, and our Marriages are made, reckoning one with another 20 Years of Age, our People must at least be doubled every 20 Years”.
However, Franklin mentions that labor will never be cheap in America, since a man could eventually stop working for others, and get his own plantation. He even adds that the labor of workingmen was cheaper in Britain than the labor of slaves would ever be in America. But, then, why do Americans kept on buying slaves? Exactly for the reason mentioned earlier – the hired man were constantly leaving and starting their own plantations, while slaves could be kept as long as their masters wanted.
- Beatriz Bicudo Cunha
“Benjamin Franklin's dynamic personality and progressive attitudes towards the 18th century are truly captivating. His unwavering belief in the virtues of industry and hard work as fundamental pillars of success not only encapsulates the spirit of his era but also serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of self-improvement and perseverance. Franklin's dedication to self-reliance and continuous self-improvement reflects his forward-thinking mindset, which continues to inspire individuals striving for personal and professional growth.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, Franklin's complex views on religion offer a fascinating glimpse into his intellectual depth and rational approach to spirituality. While he maintained a critical stance towards organized religion, emphasizing the importance of reason and rationality, Franklin also acknowledged the existence of a higher power and the significance of moral behavior. This nuanced perspective on religion underscores Franklin's commitment to moral development and ethical conduct, highlighting his belief in the intrinsic value of virtuous living.
Franklin's multifaceted personality and progressive attitudes towards industry and religion not only shed light on the socio-economic factors and moral development of his time but also serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and resilience. His legacy as a prominent figure of the Enlightenment era continues to resonate with audiences today, offering valuable insights into the enduring relevance of his ideas and principles.”
By Bárbara Soares