'Morality In Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography'

Benjamin Franklin’s “Autobiography” embodies the ideals of the self-made American man—one who, through sheer hard work and moral cultivation, fashions his own economic and social status regardless of the circumstances he was born into. Although Autobiography seeks to inspire readers with a sincere devotion to virtue, Franklin’s own devotion as depicted at certain points in the work seems casual at best. The indulgent character of Franklin’s moral outlook could be seen particularly in this passage, whereby his initial resistance towards the introduction of China (a perceived luxury to Franklin) in his house was disregarded with growing affluence. I posit that through such tolerances, Franklin demonstrates his utilitarian approach towards morality,
When we consider Franklin’s humble background, frugality alongside industry is the most direct means through which wealth can be gained, and it is only when needs are met that one can aspire to higher pursuits. In “The China Bowl and Silver Spoon”, Franklin describes the habits of frugality that accompanied the larger part of his life, such as “[keeping] no idle servants” (8), eating breakfast “out of a twopenny earthen porringer, with a pewter spoon” (8). Franklin’s embarrassment at his wife’s purchase, something he denies knowledge of, stems from the fact that they still had “remaining debt” (11) to pay which outweighs the importance of spending the “enormous sum of three-and-twenty shillings” (8), rather than the indulgent nature of the purchase. Eventually, as their wealth increased, the amount of China accumulates to “several hundred pounds in value” (8). The virtue of frugality is shown here as a means to an end (freedom from debt), not an end in itself, for when Franklin’s financial situation no longer necessitates it, frugality is no longer practised. By claiming the inevitability of luxury to “enter families, and make a progress, in spite of principle” (8), Franklin reveals his willingness to relax moral strictures in return for material
Franklin attempts to “cure [him]self” (14) of pride, a trait he perceives to be an obstacle to sociability by “forbear[ing] all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of [his] own” (14). However, for Franklin, attaining the “appearance” (14) of humility is sufficient enough because ultimately, the amount of benefit to society remains the same even if he had attained the “reality” (14) of it. Franklin’s prioritising of public appearances over internal moral authenticity is evident, and being virtuous, even if only outwardly, is sufficient so long as it contributes to societal