Ben Franklin

1. Ben Franklin An overview of his: History Literature/Writings Inventions & Virtues.

2. Franklin’s History • Born in Boston, Ma. in 1706. • Youngest of eleven living children. • Apprenticed to his brother James at the age of 12. • Started to despite those who had money to escape while not so wealthy people had to live a tradesman’s life.

3. Franklin’s History Cont. • Began his literary career at the age of 16. • Moved to Philadelphia after quarreling with his bother James. • Started to meddle with electricity. • Became a great social figure not only in the Americas but also in Europe.

4. Literature & Texts

5. Poor Richard’s Almanack written by Franklin under the psuedonym Richard Saunders First published in 1732 Continued for 25 years "The Way to Wealth"- an essay to commemorate the 25th year of PRA most extensively reprinted of all Ben's writings contains many of the aphorisms that Ben is famous for

6. Aphorisms “a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation”according to www.dictionary.com “Eat to live, and not live to eat.” “Three may keep a secret if two are dead.” “God helps those who help themselves.” “Keep your eyes open before the marriage, half shut after.” “When the well's dry, we know the worth of the water.” “Well done is better than well said.”

7. The Autobiography of Ben Franklin wrote the first part when he was 65, about his early life to 1730 In 1780's he added 3 shorter parts and revised the first. This furthered the story to his 50th year. 1st English edition was published in 1793, 3 years after Franklin's death.

8. Virtues As taken from Ben Franklin’s Autobiography

9. Silence the absence of sound, quiet "Speak not but what may benefit others or your self. Avoid trifling conversation.” –noun 1.absence of any sound or noise; stillness. 2.the state or fact of being silent; muteness. 3. absence or omission of mention, comment, or expressed concern: the conspicuous silence of our newspapers on local graft. 4. the state of being forgotten; oblivion: in the news again after years of silence. 5. concealment; secrecy. Aphorism: "Silence is not always aSign of Wisdom, butBabbling is ever Mark of aFolly." [1758]

10. Order neatness, organization, everything has it's place, time etc.. tidy "Let all your things have their places.Let each part of your business have its time.“ Definition: in a state of proper arrangement, preparation, or readiness - www.dictionary.com Aphorism: "One loose socketDowns the rocket."

11. Cleanliness clean, neat not dirty or unkempt "Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation." Definition: personally neat; careful to keep or make clean. 2. habitually kept clean. Aphorism: "Clean toe to shirt --Treat dirt like dirt."

12. Sincerity peaceful, calm, not stressed "Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable." Definition: quality or state of being tranquil; calmness; peacefulness; quiet; serenity. Aphorism: "Content makes poor men rich; Discontent makes rich men poor."

13. Resolution Setting goals & reaching them, Determination "Resolve to perform what you ought.Perform without fail what you resolve." Definition: the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.

14. Sincerity Saying what one genuinely believes; not being dishonest or hypocritical.“Use no hurtful Deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.”Instead of agreeing with someone just to make that person like you, speak the truth to show your true character.

15. Justice Treating others in a fair and reasonable way.“Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.”Watch out for times when you start to cheat others, realize you have to keep an even playing field, do the right thing and keep it fair.

16. Frugality Being economical when it comes to consumption, such as money and food.“Make no Expence but to do good to others or yourself: i.e., Waste nothing.”Ask yourself if you really need to buy what it is you’re holding in your hands at the store. Is it something you can reuse or is it only a one-time fling? Take a trip to your local landfill to see your cities’ wastefulness.

17. Moderation Staying within reasonable limits in one’s behavior and opinions; avoiding extremes.“Avoid Extreams. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.”It may be easy to fall to one way of thinking or way of action, keep in mind to assess every side of a situation. Even in your diet you can use moderation.

18. Chastity • Refraining from sexual intercourse that is regarded as contrary to morality or religion; virtuous. “Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.” Keeping from sexual contact can help keep any individual from getting sidetracked and straying from the goals and opportunities set out for him/her.

19. Humility • Quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc. “Imitate Jesus and Socrates” No matter what you may believe in, follow the path of that, in which, you believe in.

20. Temperance • Moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control. “Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.” Do not over consume in anything, whether it be food, drink, activities, or work.

21. Industry • Energetic, devoted activity at any work or task; diligence. “Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions” Do not be lazy. If something needs to be done then do it. Do not put anything off until last minute.