I believe students in English 106 should read Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography because of it’s in depth view on issues and on how to carry out a healthy and productive life style. Students can take in to account his display of the driving desire, discipline and work ethic his parents instilled in him to be the famous inventor and diplomat he was, which is what many Americans feel is the what the American dream is all about. Still, today this is what Americans envision on how their kids should be raised as a mirror image of Franklin.
In Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography,
it discusses factors that led to Franklin’s growth as an exemplary human
being. Three factors, which led to his
success that molded him into a household name in American homes everywhere,
were his strong motivation on the “Writings on Wealth,” the “Art of Virtue” and
“Perfection.” He talks about, how wealth is not that has it, but his that
enjoys it. (212) This mentions Franklin’s nonchalant attitude on the issue of
wealth and possessions. “Franklin’s project for achieving moral perfection” is
the most appealing and successful presentation of his “Art of Virtue.”(223) An
example for motivation was an aphorism still use today: Never put off to-morrow what you can do day
after to-morrow just as well. (272) This is one of Franklin’s well-known
quotes. It’s widely used among people
today. His parents would wake him up
early in the morning so he could get things accomplished. Another factor for his success was his work
ethic, which allowed him to put in his dues to study for long hours and to
never show any satisfaction of his knowledge. The display of “Perfection” in
the work he did brought a lot of pride in how he did things. His work brought
him and some might say that Franklin arrived at a degree of human perfection.
(226)
John Adams goes on and raves
about Benjamin Franklin and his impact on the people and country of America. “His
reputation was more universal that that of Leibnitz or Newton, Fredrick or
Voltaire, and his character more beloved and esteemed that any or all of them.”
(245) Adams shows so much respect to his peers status and achievements. Also, Franklin’s
fame was universal and that it could be up their with a king, clergy, philosopher,
etc. (245)
Mark Twain was a vivid reader
and follower of the famous historical figure Benjamin Franklin. Twain goes into
depth about his parents urging him on to remind him on the importance of
studying and using your time productively. They would make him study and go
from one subject to the next until they felt he accomplished his goals for that
day. Constantly, reminding him to be productive and mentioning much Franklin
would study. Also, that Twain mentions on how he sees himself as a latter day
version of Franklin. (274)
Benjamin Franklin, a
hardworking and goal oriented person, which in his lifespan did many great
things for this Nation. Still, regarded
and talked about arguably as one of the famous Americans of this country. He is mention for his famous quotes and
clichés, which are still widely used by many admirers. “Early to bed and early
to rise makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise.” (273) Every one can relate
to this cliché because we are all victims of laziness and procrastination. This
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin shows Franklin childhood in a discipline
household and hardworking family. His parents instilled in him the work ethic,
discipline and desire to not be content on what he knew, but to show growth in
his education. Truly, this led him to
live a pro active and the least to say a well-rounded life. He is the definition of the All American
man.
Franklin,
Benjamin. “Excerpts from Franklins
Writing on Wealth, The Art of Virtue, and Perfection.” Benjamin
Franklin’s Autobiography. Ed. J.A.
Leo Lemay and P.M. Zall. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company, Inc., 1986. 213-228
Adams, John “John Adams on Franklin, May 15, 1811.” Benjamin
Franklin’s Autobiography. Ed. J.A.
Leo Lemay and P.M. Zall. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company, Inc., 1986. 244-248
Twain,
Mark “The Late Benjamin Franklin.” Benjamin
Franklin’s Autobiography. Ed. J.A.
Leo Lemay and P.M. Zall. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company, Inc., 1986.
272-274.