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Benjamin Franklin's Moral Perfection: A Guide to Self-Improvement and National Identity

Explore Benjamin Franklin's pursuit of moral perfection as outlined in his autobiography and almanac, reflecting on his virtues and struggles. Discover why Franklin's voice remains influential, his methodology for self-improvement, and the impact of his writings during a transformative period in American history.

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Benjamin Franklin's Moral Perfection: A Guide to Self-Improvement and National Identity

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  1. “Moral Perfection” from Autobiographyand Poor Richard’s Almanack By Benjamin Franklin 1706 - 1790

  2. Benjamin Franklin: The Man • A noted polymath: author, printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier, and diplomat • “The most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become” • Why would this voice be important to readers during this period?

  3. Why “Moral Perfection” • Franklin writes “Moral Perfection”at the age of 79 (lives to 84) • He signed all three documents that created this nation • What do we expect? -- Embellishment or a realistic chronicle? Why?

  4. What is the author’s intent in writing Moral Perfection? • “I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” (Franklin 130) • Wants to become a more pious person (dutifully devoted to doing something right with the expectation of this goal never being met) Franklin’s new code to conduct one’s life = • Secular piety + hard work + material signs + success = power and prestige self-made healthy/wealthy/wise Franklin’s own life from humble beginningsresult of a life lived right most accomplished person Vs Puritan code Religious piety + hard work + signs from God = Success

  5. Intentions • Is he optimistic about his endeavor? • What qualifies his optimism? • High goals => He really thinks he can • He found that wanting is not enough -- you have to work at it and have a methodology (pragmatism) • Rather than cite the 10 Commandments, he gave us 13 Virtues (what does this do to tone?)

  6. How did Franklin monitor his attempt at “moral perfection”? • He made a chart -- the methodology by which to measure his progress • What was his formula for success? • Focus on one virtue a week. Why? • Tackle one problem at a time (i.e., baby steps) • Complete course = 13 weeks; 4 courses in one year • Improve one’s moral conduct with practice and devotion

  7. Which virtue did Franklin have the most difficulty with? • ORDER • Why? • His business put him at the service of others => must adapt his schedule to his clients • Difficulty keeping things organized (e.g., papers, work orders, his daily chart of virtuous behavior) • Business and life’s demands get in the way of our systems of arrangement • He also usually relied on memory (but he is now 79 => an old man, weak memory)

  8. What did Franklin learn from his experiment at “moral perfection”? • “I found myself incorrigible with respect to Order” (Franklin 134) • i.e., Could not be corrected or improved in regard to this virtue • “…yet I was, by the endeavour, a better and a happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it” (Franklin 134) • i.e., The experiment improved his moral character, though he still has human foibles

  9. The American Myth is Born • Franklin’s story = from rags to riches • Obscure birth • Rise to prominence through hard work • Success and happiness • Blessings of heaven • Learns lessons (self-improvement) • Who better to appear here

  10. TONE • Familiar • Digressive • Self-deprecating • Avuncular (not paternal) • Witty Any foolishness or doting is calculated. The kindly old man will show us how to live a good life.

  11. How should we live, Ben? • Frugal • Simple • Honest • Resourceful • Industrious The What Keenly aware of the importance of self-command for both individual flourishing and effective social activity, Franklin understood why the turbulent human soul must first be tamed if we are to become reasonable, free, and responsible social beings and citizens. “Moral Perfection is a guidebook to at once bettering the self while establishing an ideal national identity

  12. FRANKLIN = The Exemplary American • The Philadelphia Everyman • Single-handedly shapes the American Myth • Autobiography venerates a society that allows for maximum development of the individual • We can rise to prominence through our own merits, w/o interference from monarchy, aristocracy, or Church

  13. How should we consider Franklin’s text in Poor Richard? • Poor Richard’s Almanack reflected Franklin’s wit and wisdom • Originally named “The Way to Wealth” • What does this title suggest about Franklin’s purpose? • Why might this title appeal to Puritans? • A yearly almanac published by Franklin, who adopted the pseudonym of "Poor Richard • Appeared continually from 1732 to 1758. • Contained the calendar, weather, poems, astronomical and mathematical exercises • But it is chiefly known for its APHORISMS • These sayings typically counsel thrift and courtesy, with a dash of cynicism. • They are a guidebook for American behavior by a model American.

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