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Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography provides a comprehensive insight into his character and the environment of religious toleration in Philadelphia during his time. From this reading, we understand that compared to other colonies Philadelphia held one of the less tensed and strict atmospheres in terms of religious acceptance. After it was determined that the minister, George Whitefield, one of the prominent ministers of the Great Awakening, should not be reduced to preaching in an unflattering open space a house was constructed that would be open "expressly for the use of any preacher of any religious persuasion who might desire to say something to the people of Philadelphia." In other words, Philadelphia was allowing anyone of a religious group…
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When thinking of Benjamin Franklin, two thoughts come to my mind. His part in the founding of electricity due to his experiments with the kite and the key was engraved in my head from a young age. Also, the familiar face found at the center of possibly my favorite piece of paper I could have in my wallet at any time. But what lead to Benjamin Franklin being a figure so known and idolized, not only in early British American history but, in our world today? The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin outlines the life of a proclaimed self made man whose knowledge and hard work lead him to be a powerful and admired public figure in British North America. By implementing Toby Ditz’s idea surrounding masculinity that “the larger gender order within which masculinity is embedded is also fundamentally about…
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What we read in class of Ben Franklin's writing showed a new concept called rationalism. His ideas were about how self-improvement is reflected in a rationalist’s beliefs. There were virtues that he believed were important for how a person should live their lives,…
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Thesis Statement: Ben Franklin’s virtues may have worked well for the “New Republic”, but as things have evolved today not all can or should apply in government such as Humility; religion, and welfare, this has caused our youth today to be self-entitled believing everything should be given to them without earning it. The completed opposite would have applied when Ben Franklin Wrote these 13 virtues for his fellow countrymen to follow in government and in life.…
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The Seven Years’ War started in 1754. It was between Prussia, Britain and Hannover that fought against Austria, France, Russia, Sweden and Spain. It was fought in America, Europe, the West Indies, the Philippines, Africa, and on the ocean. There were two reasons for this war. Firstly, there was a serious rivalry between Britain and France about the colonies. Secondly, Prussia and Austria fought over Germany. It was during this time that Benjamin Franklin said, “All people agreed on the need for union, but their ‘weak noodles’ were ‘perfectly distracted’ when they attempted to agree on details.”…
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“The Autobiography” establishes in literary form the first example of the fulfillment of the American Dream. He writes of the possibilities of life in America through his own rise from the lower middle class as a youth to one of the most admired men in the world as an adult. Furthermore, he states that he achieved his success through a solid work ethic. For instance he writes, “It was about this time that I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” (Franklin 307). He wants have that American dream, so he comes up with the thirteen virtues to help him. He proved that even undistinguished people can, through industry, become great figures of importance in America in his writings. His “The Autobiography” also reflects idealism. He somewhat writes of intellectual flourishment and political thought and during part two, he is trying to live them out. According to Betsy Erkkila, “while the Revolution is not present as part of the manifest content of Franklin's narrative, it is present as the political or narrative unconscious of Franklin's "Life"--as a scene of social crisis, bloody contest, and challenge to traditional structures of authority in family, society, church, and state” (Erkkila). This meaning that even though it wasn’t spoke of directly, the revolution was desired by Franklin so others could have the American dream and achieve as he…
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His thirteen virtues were temperance, silence, order, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility(Franklin 92). Franklin developed those ideas at the age of 20 and kept practicing in the rest of his life. In his opinion, those virtues will bring great success and happiness. In his autobiography, Franklin said that “ I hope, therefore, that some of my descendants may follow the example and reap the benefit.” I think today’s American did pass on those values.…
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Much of the success had by Benjamin Franklin coming from a poor family and turning into a wealthy individual was due to a few important people in his life. Franklin had about him very desirable qualities, for most people that he had met quickly gained interest in him and were willing to help him, Franklin however, never took any of this for granted. Benjamin Franklin had outstanding core values about him that were installed by a select few people growing up. The person who taught him the most important values in his life was his father, Josiah Franklin. Josiah, as described by Benjamin as “ingenious”, taught at a very young age the fundamental properties of thinking…
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Often seen on the face of the 100$ bill, Benjamin Franklin is a historical figure of many careers and pastimes. He is a leading figure in early American history and is the only founding father that has signed all four documents key to establishing the U.S. Ben is yet one of the most awesome people in history that I can think of, awesome meaning I could literally go on for pages about what this man has done. His impact on modern America has a much bigger role than the naked eye can see, and we could live on just this man’s virtues everyday of our lives. Benjamin, by the age of 20, established his own list of 13 virtues he would live by every day. He was so set out to be as perfect as he could, that he carried around a small book with 13 charts in it.…
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Benjamin believed he had the power to improve his own life, he wanted to teach people how to improve their own life, and in turn it would improve the community. Benjamin’s biggest achievements such as drafting the Declaration of Independence, famous writings and helping develop young America were possible because of his 13 virtues which he developed at age 20. Benjamin writes he chose “13 names of virtues all that at that time occur’d to me as necessary or desirable, and annexed to each a short precept, which fully express’d the extent I gave to its meaning.” The 13 virtues were temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, charity, and humility. Benjamin writes that he does not have all of these but these are things he wants to strive towards, perhaps even work on one at a time until it is mastered and then he could move onto the next one. He would also track using check marks, each day when he wasn’t following these virtues, for example if he felt he was not humble on a Tuesday then he would put a check mark there and reflect back on what he did…
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We know Franklin is serious because throughout all of his works, he clearly placed morality and public service higher than anything. Even though he was very ambitious and business was very…
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Character/virtue: we should consider what kind of people we want to be, and what example we want to set…
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Put First Things First is habit number 3. This means prioritize, and do the most meaningful things first. “Make sure you keep the main thing the main thing”, like school; that should always be one of the most vital pieces. Not all peer pressure is awful, it’s excellent to…
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People often have thoughts about other people having more enviable achievements than themselves do, but even if they think about doing things to change, their lack of perseverance still causes a poor outcome next time. Benjamin Franklin is one of the best example of a successful image throughout the history. Although having no eminent family background, he had himself work-hard to become a admirable person, one of the Founding Fathers of United States. Everyone fairly has 24 hours per day, yet he was able to surpass so many people in different realms. Benjamin Franklin had been through innumerable setbacks in his entire life, but other than making up excuses for his previous failures, on the other hand, Benjamin Franklin faced, understood,…
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Integrity and Courage. Two core values that can be significant in today’s society. These specific core values in the society really prove to be a significant part of all lives that surround us. Between the person’s character and reputation, the person in today’s society without having a good example of both of them will not go far. Where integrity and Courage come into play really represent how a person is seen in the modern society that we are living in today.…
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