Benjamin Franklin free essay sample

A figurative scenario within a cave occurs. In this scenario, a group of people are living in a cave where they have been put in all types of restraints only allowing them to look forward at the wall opposite of the light. The light casts shadows onto the wall. At some point in time, a shadow appears and to some, a voice Is also heard. The shadow Is then rumored to be god. No one In the cave argues this Idea of god because they do not yet know any better, or they have not yet been enlightened. After a while, one person is taken from the cave and is shown god.This person is the enlightened one. They now know that what they believed to be true is actually false. Once placed back into the cave, the enlightened one can no longer see. This person no longer shares ideas with those of the cave. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When the enlightened one attempts to create a paradigm shift by revealing the truth, people get upset and argumentative. The cave scenario Is a phenomenal way to describe the Ideas of enlightenment. The scenario Illustrates that one cannot be enlightened if they refuse to step out of the formalities of their everyday life.To Plato, the concept of enlightenment is belief in a new truth and leaving old thoughts behind. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin includes many ideas of enlightenment from literal to figurative. Franklin was literally enlightened every time he took another step up in his career. Starting out as a printer and a writer, and becoming an Inventor and a politician. Another way he was literally enlightened was his experiment with electricity. Being an Inventor and a philosopher, Franklin made a hypothesis that would usually end in enlightenment. Along with enlightening himself, Benjamin Franklin also managed to enlighten others with his writings. People used to look forward to his almanacs. It was simple enough for Franklin to enlighten because of his level of intelligence. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin may also be linked with a work by Emerson called The American Scholar. This work by Emerson Is a speech about the Importance of nature, books, and work or action. Emerson believes that society Is becoming corrupt and less pure due to media.America is also becoming lazy to the point of no one putting effort into creating their own thoughts. This is called man thinking and Emerson highlights this concept a lot throughout his speech. Benjamin Franklins life can be related to The American Scholar for the obvious reason that Franklin was Indeed a great scholar. A scholar like Franklin is also a great he always had his own brilliant ideas. He was a hard worker, and a hard worker does not base their life off of the ideas of others. Being a transcendentalism, Franklin believed institutions in society were corrupting the purity of a person.Ideas such as this are also mentioned in The American Scholar by Emerson. Emerson ideas were that nature, books, and work were the most important parts of life. Emerson and Franklin only had one difference when it came to work. Emerson was a firm believer that the purpose of working was to gain wisdom, while Franklin believed working only led to wealth. While Emerson, Franklin, and Plato were all different in their ideas, their works can e read and related together in a way that a work can be seen in a new light. The American Scholar can enable a reader to understand how Benjamin Franklin was a hard worker and man that thought for himself. The Allegory of the Cave can also aid a reader in showing what enlightenment is and how Franklin was enlightened through his life while he enlightened others all around the world. Emerson and Plato were very helpful in creating the lens that is used to comprehend and see what The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is really about. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample At 15 Benjamin Franklin brother started The New England Currant the first newspaper in Boston. Even though there were two paper in the city before his paper included articles, opinion pieces written by his friends, advertisements and news of ship schedules. Benjamin Franklin was not allowed to write in his brother paper due to the fact that he was lowly apprentice. Benjamin Franklin began writing letters at night and signing them with the name of a fictional widow, Silence Dogwood. Dogwood was filled with advice and very critical of the world around her, particularly nickering the Issue of how women were treated.If Benjamin Franklin was caught by his brother he would be punish. The letter got a lot of attention and people wanted to know who this mystery person was. After sixteen letters had been posted Ben]amyl Franklin confesses to writing the letter, his brother was upset and Jealous with all attention Benjamin Franklin was getting from his friends. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Benjamin Franklin and his brother found themselves in debate with Bosons powerful Puritan preachers, the Matters. Because smallpox was a deadly disease back in them days, ND the Matters supported inoculation and the Franklins believed inoculation only made people sicker.Most Bostonians people agreed with the Franklins, James made fun of the clergy, during the debate. James was thrown in jail for his views, and Benjamin Franklins was left to run his brother paper. When Benjamin Franklins brother was release from jail he was not pleased with the way his brother was running his paper. Instantly he became violent with Benjamin Franklin which resulted In several beatings and Benjamin running away. Running away In those mimes was Illegal In early America people felt as though runaway didnt have a place in society.Benjamin Franklin didnt care he boarded a boat to New York hoping to find a job as printer. But it didnt work as plan he ended up in Philadelphia where he met his future wife Deborah Read, not knowing seven years later they would married. Benjamin Franklin found work as an apprentice printer he was so good at it the governor of Pennsylvania promised to help start a business for himself if he would travel to London to purchase fonts and printing equipment. He did as so but promise as broken by the governor was forced to spend several months in England doing print work.Benjamin Franklin had been living with Read family before heading to London. Deborah Read started talking marriage, with Benjamin Franklin who was not ready for marriages yet so she married another man Instead which didnt lasted very long. Benjamin Franklin returned to Philadelphia tried out a few odd Jobs but went back as printers helper. Benjamin Franklin was a greater printer than the man he was working for, so he decided to borrowed some money and set himself up in the f Philadelphia notice how passionate he was.Benjamin Franklin was so good at his job the government give him contract and his business blossom. In 1729 Benjamin Franklin bought a newspaper called The Pennsylvania Gazette. Benjamin Franklin printed contributed pieces by using a falsely name and would be the first to print political cartoon. Benjamin Franklin was very busy socially man he started an organized call the Junta and he Joined the Masons. In 1733 Benjamin Franklin publishes Poor Richards Almanacs under another falsely name who portraying to e a poor man who needed to money to take care of disable wife.What made this different from almanacs is Franklins almanac was witty aphorisms and lively writing. Many of the famous phrases associated with Franklin, such as, A penny saved is a penny earned come from Poor Richard. (Association). Benjamin Franklin continued to be great asset to his community he helped launch project to pave, clean and put streets lights up. Benjamin Franklin launched the library company in 1731 during this time books were very limited. So using his resource he pulled together some member o they could help buy book from England. Thus was born the nations first subscription library. (Association) In 1743 Benjamin Franklin helped launch another society called American Philosophical Society first learned society in America. Benjamin Franklin helped formed the Pennsylvania Hospital so better treat their sick. The Library Company, Philosophical Society, and Pennsylvania Hospital are all in existence today. (Association). In 1736 Benjamin Franklin organized Philadelphia Union Fire Company, the first in the city due to how bad the fires can in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin famous saying, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, was actually fire-fighting advice. Association). People who suffered fire damage to their homes often suffered irreversible economic loss. So, in 1752, Franklin helped to found the Philadelphia Contribution for Insurance against Loss by Fire. Those with insurance policies were not wiped out financially. The Contributions is still in business today. (Association) . Len sasss and sasss Benjamin Franklin printing business blooms he then started to franchise his printing revere though partnership with other cities. Benjamin Franklin retired from business and started concentrating on science, experiments, and inventions.Franklins printing business was thriving in this sass and sass. He also started setting up franchise printing partnerships in other cities. By 1749 he retired from business and started concentrating on science, experiments, and inventions. Benjamin Franklin was not new to any of this in 1743 he invented a heat efficient stove to help warm house efficiently and to help improve society and he refuse to have a patent take out. Some of Benjamin Franklin other inventions were swims fins, the glass Armenia and bifocals. Benjamin Franklin started to study electricity in the sasss.Benjamin Franklin use a kite as experiment to show the nature of electricity and lightning which brought international fame. We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately. In sasss Benjamin Franklin became involved with politics. During the America Revolution Benjamin Franklin persuade the French to help the Americans that if they didnt help the British would have too much power. The French and British were enemies The French did help Americans by giving those supplies though Benjamin Franklin and his spies. Benjamin Franklin became popular among the French once we won the war. Benjamin Franklin help writ the Constitution of the United States which became the new laws for the new country. Benjamin Franklin was selected to the Second Continental Congress and help draft the Declaration of Independence. Though much of the writing is Thomas Jefferson, much of the contribution is Franklins. (Association) In 1776 Franklin signed the Declaration, and afterward ailed to France as an ambassador to the Court of Louis WI. (Association) In part via Franklins popularity, the government of France signed a Treaty of Alliance with the Americans in 1778. Franklin also helped secure loans and persuade the French they were doing the right thing. Franklin was on hand to sign the Treaty of Paris in 1783, after the Americans had won the Revolution. (Association) Now a man in his late seventies, Franklin returned to America. He became President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania. He served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention ND signed the Constitution.One of his last public acts was writing an anti-slavery treatise in 1789. (Association) In conclusion Benjamin Franklin was great man of his time and he invented several things that we use to this day. He was great inventor and science teacher he came up with things that we use in today time. Benjamin Franklin came up ways to help solve the Americans problem during the American Revolution. If was not for Benjamin Franklin we would not have won the war if he didnt ask the French for help. Benjamin Franklin signs four of the important that we still use today. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample The Self-made American Benjamin Franklin Intro- set the scene; assertion; thesis The new world of the new colonies during the sasss was a place of discovery and innovation. The English who settled in the Americas were fleeing oppression and tradition and were striving to seek a new open-minded atmosphere to start their new lives. Benjamin Franklin was born unto this world In 1706 while English powers were still in control of the new American colonies. He grew up the youngest son of seventeen siblings to a humble tallow chandler.At the age often, his formal schooling had ended and his new life of self- taught knowledge began. He left Boston and devoted his time to books, becoming his older brothers apprentice In a Philadelphia printing store. By this time outrage against the British control was on an upswing and revolutionary liberal thought was in the air. This atmosphere created a space for innovative and forward thinkers Just like Franklin. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Leaders emerged from the rough not because they climbed the verbally ladder to success but because It was necessary to fill the empty rolls of leadership in the new American society.America was calling for a new wave of forward thinkers and untapped potential in the new worlds best leaders. Benjamin Franklins life story is a testament to this. His inept potential was arguably not uncommon but the situation and life he was apart of facilitated his rise from humble beginnings to one of the most historically significant American dreamers to date. His autobiography gives insight to his life. An important aspect of the American Dream theme in the Autobiography is the rise from impotence to importance, from dependence to independence, from helplessness to power. 0.A. Leo Lemma 351) Though Benjamin Franklin Is the face of American Innovation had he not the support of powerful Individuals and progressiveness of the world in which he lived the innovative American environment would have produced another progressive thinker to fuel the flame of progression through Innovation equally as renowned to his historical stature. (American Environment at the time provided all supplies needed for a man like BE to become a legend. ) (America made BE, BE didnt make America. ) Environment- Ben Franklin was a leader not unorthodox to have untraditional educationLife of the normal 18th century colonist was fraught with an uneven matched of control from Britain such as the Stamp Act and Tea tax that citizens of the new world were in complete support of break in relationship from control of B ritain. Free market systems were heavily encouraged In the U. S. During this time. The general education of the population of this time was minimal. Young Benjamin was brought up by a humble household who had the goal and aspirations of sending their youngest son to Harvard for the goal of going into the ministry.This fell fiat due to finical reasons, UT during this time a formal education was not commonplace. Real higher level education was Just being developed under the new government In the U. S. During the sasss, literacy rates were as high as ever being at 75% of all males and 65% for 1 OFF very uncommon due to modern day rules and regulations but this was definitely not the case in the early sasss. Benjamin Franklin is a great example of the fact that one does not need a formal education to succeed, and also another influential person whom Benjamin Franklin knew during this time also did not have a formal education as Thomas Edison.He ended up being home-schooled primarily and then eventually Joined the railroad at the age of 12, so during this time a formal education was not something that was absolutely necessary. Relationships w/ innovators- flourishing in environment through relationships he was supplied w/ money and power, giving him a sense of worth and importance that allowed him to bring his innovations into fruition. During this time of progression Benjamin Franklin was not alone in his felt of changing traditional thought.Throughout his life he made it a poin t to seek out other individuals of importance and power to allow him to be among men that will create change in traditional thought. Among these men were John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison who will later be called the forefathers of America. Provided these relationships that Franklin created it gave him the support that was necessary for his innovations to be known (celebrity). He carefully and deliberately became friends with wealthy and powerful people to elevate his social status. Quote) Counterargument- BE as a person- Proportioning self-improvement set him apart from en Americans. Even in todays society he was revered for his scientific studies + forward thinking. He wasnt exceptional Just for his name. Conclusion- People born into poverty, given everything but cant follow through opportunity to shine/ creatively suppressed, not supported be of way of the world is in a dif environment. Restate thesis Throughout Benjamin Franklins life one can see a constant feeling or urge to better himself.He was brought up in a time when there were many new ideas and free-thinking liberties to be had, and Benjamin took full advantage of them. From his mumble beginnings, Franklin created wealth and prosperity for himself. An important aspect of the American Dream theme in the Autobiography is the rise helplessness to power. 0. A. Leo Lemma 351) Americans revere Benjamin Franklin as one of the most prolific minds of the modern age. But he came from a very meager family. He was born the 1 lath son of the family to a chandler and a housewife.He was pushed very much to become a priest and go to Harvard which would prepare him for the ministry, but his mother and father could not financially afford for him to attend. He also had his own skepticism about is faith which clouted his ambitions. He reconsidered and decided at the age of 12 to attend another school for basic reading and writing. Around this time Benjamin showed a great interest in books and he ended being arranged as an apprentice under his brother at a printer. His life was created by these books and printing were Just the beginning. Throughout his childhood he became very much interested in learning new things picking up the violin, the guitar and other instruments. He taught himself German, French, and Latin. Through his work-ethic he advised more and more Franklins young life: Franklin as starting out on his own: Becoming more influential: thinking. The New World was being created as Benjamin grew, and with that, offered many incredible opportunities to him or to anyone who was bold enough to grasp them. Franklin was no ordinary man.Throughout his life he focused all of his efforts on becoming the best person he could be. Growing up the son of a poor chandler and soap maker he committed himself to becoming a wise learned mind, focusing mentally, physically, and philosophically. Granted, through his time and fort described in his autobiography he created many great situations for himself to develop into one of the wisest minds of the modern thought, but he tended to fall into many situations where he seemed to be in the right place at the right time.During this period of progression the leaders of this new world were being brought out to the fore-front, even if they seems not to be deserving of the role. Benjamin Franklin poses the essence of the self-made man. Throughout his autobiography he shows us that it isnt always the position that you were born in that creates who we re, but instead, it is our outright curiosity and work-ethic that helps us travel through life and will potentially/eventually lead us to power/wealth/happiness/life satisfaction.An important aspect of the American dream theme in the Autobiography is the rise from impotence to importance, from dependence to independence, from helplessness to power. 0. A. Leo Lemma) Ben Franklin was not completely unaided in his endeavors. He worked incredibly hard for self- improvement and to better himself, but he Just seemed to continually be in the right place at the right time. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample Through all this you can see how Franklin began his life as a British loyalist, but through Americanization his thoughts evolved only helping create the nation we live in today. Franklin could scarcely restrain the xcitement as he contemplated the future of this prolific New World that would eventually outnumber the Old. (Wood71) Franklin was a true-blue Englishman, he loved Britain and believed that colonists were every bit British subjects. The people all shared common interests and believed that the New Word could only benefit from British control. He wanted to create a union in which all of the colonies and colonists would come together and work with each other. His plan was to create this union and send it to Britain to have them establish a parliament so the colonies could be represented, but he colonial assemblies didnt want anything to do with the union. The colonists didnt want a few people determining the outcome of their lives. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The colonists themselves, knew better the needs of the colonies for defense than did the distant parliament. (Wood125) Britain saw the increasingly expansion and wealth of the colonies and began to tax them. Franklin only wanted the colonists to be treated equally as to those in the British Empire. When Franklin went to London he Just grew more impressed with the British Government. He had developed an emotional commitment to the Crowns empire. (Wood129) Colonists were wondering if he was ever going to return to America. When Franklin returned to America he lost most of his support. Colonists felt that his commitment to the empire was seriously clouding his political Judgment. (Wood140) Atter the 7-year war Britain placed a stamp act upon hatred towards the empire. he colonists , creating great At first Franklin was all for the stamp act and favored the opinions of the British Empire. The colonists began to blame Franklin for the stamp act and threatened to attack him. His enemies in Pennsylvania accused him not only of framing the Stamp Act but also of profiting from it. (Wood142) He had lost his newspaper business as less people believed in him. Franklin only wanted Britain and the col onies to be considered as a one but he noticed that there was a change in the relationship between Britain and the colonies. Englishmen felt superior then the colonists the term American often conjured up images of unrefined, if not barbarous, persons, degenerate and racially debased. (Wood143) Franklin began to believe that a compromise or even representation in parliament was far and in-between for the colonies. He felt sympathy for the American opposition and made it clear that Parliament had no right to lay a stamp tax on the colonists without proper representation. Franklin began to change his opinion on the imperial control of the British Empire. The Hutchinson letters were published in Massachusetts and it called for an increase in the number of troops to help control the American rebellion. When Franklin published them in England tension grew between the two sides angering the government and by encouraging the colonists in their resistance, (Franklin) did not seem to care anymore. (Wood145) The English government didnt want anything to do with Franklin anymore and thought of him as another unruly colonists. When the extensive conciliation or Chatham proposal was brought to the House of Lords, they rejected it without even giving it a second look. Franklin was outraged that they rejected it in such an abrupt manner that his anger grew for British Empire. Franklin was so irate that he told his American confidants that England had become rotten to the core; in fact, continuation of the union with England might infect America and destroy the glorious public virtue so predominant in our rising 50) Leaving Britain behind Franklin became one of the most patriotic and passionate leaders. When Franklin got back to America the fighting between the colonists and British had already began. He wasnt going to fight in the war or lead an army but he sought after an alliance between France, which would help strengthen the colonies efforts. Franklins political success started in France where he was able to persuade the French government to become allies against the British. This not only strengthened Americas relationship witn France but also witn other European ations. It was said that the connection with Europe was a huge turning point in the war against Britain. Franklin was indispensable to the success of the revolution abroad. (Wood200) Franklin always wanted to be in a position of power where he could shape events on a world stage. He attempted to help change the way Britain went about its business but soon realized that his attempts were pointless. Once he realized that the British Empire was only hurting the colonies he began to show patriotism towards the New World in which he was born. Franklin was not ashamed hat he once favored the British rule but eventually un derstood that there was a better life and a new beginning to be had. Franklins life was much like that of all colonists during this time. They came to the New World with nothing under their name and worked until their dreams were reached. Franklin was Americanized through the many events or lack of events that Britain put upon on the colonies. If the British Empire would have allowed for representation we could have had a totally different scenario. Fortunately we were able to create our own country in which Franklin had one of the most important roles. Biographies of great men help us understand how they become so great. We can learn so much about the colonists separation from the British Empire by Just looking at Franklins life. His life story is so inspirational, coming from a very poor family and creating a very prosperous and successful life should be everyones dream. We can look up to great individuals like Franklin and aspire to be like him. Woods didnt want to Just name historical facts and the surrounding events of Franklins life but wanted to examine him as an individual. He wanted to see how the events Americanized the most influential founding father. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample One can only speculate as to the thoughts running through Benjamin Franklins mind as he pondered the awe and power of lightning during some long ago summer storm. Franklin suspected that lightning was an electrical current in nature, rather than the wrath of God, and he wanted to see if he was right. One way to test his idea would be to see if the lightning would pass through metal. He came upon the idea to use a metal key and looked around for a way to get the key up near the lightning.As you probably already know, he used a simple toy, a kite, to prove that lightning Is really a stream of electrified air, known today as plasma. No direct account of this event was ever written by Franklin, however, the manuscript of Joseph Freely documents the events as follows: As every circumstance relating to so capital a discovery (the greatest, perhaps, since the time of Sir Isaac Newton) cannot but give pleasure to all my readers, I shall endeavourer to gratify them with the communication of a few particulars which I have from the best authority. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Doctor, having published his method of verifying his hypothesis concerning the sameness of electricity with the matter of lightning, was waiting for the erection of a spire [on Christ Church] in Philadelphia to carry his views into execution; not imagining that a pointed rod of a moderate height could answer the purpose; when it occurred to him that by means of a common kite he could have better access to the regions of thunder than by any spire whatever.Preparing, therefore, a large silk handkerchief and two cross-sucks of a proper length on which to extend it, he took the opportunity of the first approaching thunderstorm to take a walk in the fields, in which there was a shed convenient for his purpose. But, dreading the ridicule which too commonly attends unsuccessful attempts in science, e communicated his intended experiment to nobody but his son ? then twenty- one, not a child as in the traditional illustrations of the scene ? who assisted him In raising the kite. The kite being raised, a considerable time elapsed before there was any appearance of Its being electrified. One very promising cloud had passed over It without any effect; when, at length, just as he was beginning to despair of his contrivance, he observed some loose threads of the hempen string to stand erect, and to avoid one another, Just as if they had been suspended on a common conductor. Struck with this promising appearance, he immediately presented his knuckle to the key, and (let the reader Judge of the exquisite pleasure he must have felt at that moment) the discovery was complete.He perceived a very evident electric spark. Others succeeded, even before the string was wet, so as to put the matter past all dispute, and when the rain had wet the string he collected electric fire very copiously. This happened in June 1752, a month after the electricians in France had verified the same theory, but before he heard of anything they had done. Correspondence by Franklin to his friend Peter , (whom started this madness by sending Franklin a glass rod which had produced static electricity), cedar the width of an extended silk handkerchief, with the corners of the handkerchief tied to the cedar frame.Silk was used so as not to be as easily torn as paper. To the top of the front cedar cross member he attached a one foot metal wire approximately one foot in height. The standard hemp twine was used as a lanyard, and to the end of the lanyard was attached the infamous metal key. When it came time for the experiment, Franklin showed the intuition to conduct his experiment indoors, or at least under cover, and the str ing not touching the window or doormen. Given this set-up, and a passing thunder cloud, he was able to observe the fibers of the hemp lanyard pulling in opposite directions.This is where l, knowing what we all know now, would conclude the experiment. Not Ben Franklin. He waits for it to rain and get every thing wet. At that point he places his knuckle against the metal key and voile he got shocked, a lot I think, thus proving his theory of current (plasma) and electricity. While Benjamin Franklin will always be famous for his kite in the storm, he continued with his electrical experiments, even originating terms still used today such as battery charge, condenser, conductor, positively, negatively, and armature.One must wonder what the world would be like today without one man that would undertake such an endeavor. Sources: Benjamin Franklin Franklin Institute us history. Org Carl van , 1938 Ben Franklin Portrait of the Man The Electric Ben Franklin His famous stormy kite flight in June of 1752 led him to develop many of the terms that we still use today when we talk about electricity: battery, conductor, condenser, charge, discharge, uncharged, negative, minus, plus, electric shock, and electrician. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample Moral perfection Is not entirely possible because often circumstances present that are beyond ones control. Furthermore, people will critique the virtues of moral perfection much differently. Moral perfection is not obtainable because there are extraneous circumstances and conflicting views of the moral virtues. Circumstances occurring beyond ones control prevent the attainment of moral perfection. Day to day obstacles can alter ones behavior and outlook on the day.Such obstacles may include temptations, individual interactions, and environmental influences. The severity and the number of obstacles encountered will also impede mastering moral virtues. Benjamin Franklin infers in his Autobiography that obtaining the thirteen virtues requires persistent vigilance and avoidance of previous habits and temptations. In conclusion, achieving d moral perfection is often complicated by the mere reality that every day one may not be on top of the game. Interpretation of the moral virtues can be viewed in very different ways.In Benjamin Franklins Autobiography, he suggests that temperance was confined to come as eating and drinking while others expanded the interpretation to mean moderation of every other pleasure, appetite, inclination, or passion. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page One may be either more or less critical of others compared to themselves. The precepts of the moral virtues must be interpreted consistently in order to strive toward moral perfection. In conclusion, unforeseen circumstances and differing critiques of the precepts of moral virtues prohibit succeeding with moral perfection.Moral perfection Is a good model upon which to improve ones life, but It Is not realistic. Rather, focusing on to the best of ones abilities and keeping others best Interests at heart will better serve Individuals and the world. Accepting ones weaknesses and building upon ones strengths will ultimately lead to attainment of personal success and overall happiness. Benjamin Franklin By The quest for human perfection is ideal, but the realization that this is possible may be an unrealistic expectation. In Benjamin Franklins Autobiography he formulating a plan, and evaluating selected virtues weekly.Benjamin Franklin devoted one whole week to each virtue in which he strive to eliminate any bad habits. Mr.. Franklin saw his faults diminish as he evaluated himself over a period of several years. Moral perfection is not entirely possible because often circumstances moral virtues prohibit succeeding with moral perfection. Moral perfection is a good model upon which to improve ones life, but it is not realistic. Rather, focusing on living to the best of ones abilities and keeping others best interests at heart will better serve individuals and the world. Benjamin Franklin free essay sample Colonies. Benjamin Franklin also acquired success from being a writer, printer, man of science, and being a philanthropist. The Inventive mind of Benjamin Franklin produced the well- known Franklin stove, bifocals, carriage and also the public institutions, such as the free library and postal system (Latter 838). Benjamin Franklin was an Intelligent man with a remarkable talent for Inventing things which had a major Influence on eighteenth Century America.He was appreciated by many followers and his ability to write and invent contributed greatly to American society. Benjamin Franklins father Josiah Franklin was a candle and soap maker and Franklin at the age of 10 was an apprentice for his fathers business. Franklins father desired for young Franklin to obtain a career in service to the church or in the family business of making candles and soap. Benjamin Franklin ATA very young age exhibited a desire to be independent and self-reliant and rebelled against his fathers wishes. We will write a custom essay sample on Benjamin Franklin or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Franklin did not enjoy working as an apprentice to his fathers business and at the age of 12, he instead became an apprentice to his older brother ND learned about the printing business and at the same time he developed his literary skills. Benjamin attended school for a short period of time but due to his family financial hardship, he was unable to complete school. Coming from a poor background Benjamin Franklin was determined to reach success and no obstacles that presented itself on his journey to success was going to inhibit him.Franklin did not allow financial circumstances to prevent him from pursuing his goal of excelling academically; he continued to educate himself by reading a vast amount of books, ND acquired as much knowledge as he can. Benjamin Franklin abided by certain self-constraints, which would later help him to become the most famous man of his time. At the age of seventeen Franklins desire for independence from his family drove him to leave Boston for Philadelphia. After a year in Philadelphia he relocated and moved to London, where he took a Job at a print shop. Almost two years later, more experienced In the social and economic realties of life, Franklin returned to Philadelphia, where he devoted many years to establishing himself as a printer and helicopters (Latter 838). Franklin was very successful as a printer and editor of a his own from which he published The Pennsylvania Gazette to which he contributed many essays (Holman 3). His intentions for the Gazette were to utilize all the knowledge he had acquired and produce the best newspaper possible. Franklin continued writing literary works for quite some time and one of those literary works in which he was famous for was his autobiography. Benjamin Franklin was all about self improvement, desiring to be the best he can be and making adjustments along the way to advance himself. According to Walter Caisson he states , that most interesting thing that Franklin invented, and continually reinvented, wash himself. In his autobiography, part two he spoke of thirteen virtues that were necessary and desirable to him. The names of the thirteen virtues are: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.Franklin states that his intentions are to acquire the Habituated of all these Virtues Not by attempting the whole at once, but to fix on one of them at time (Latter 914). Franklin obviously found fault within himself and he was determined to fix those faults. By him listing these thirteen virtues, he basically had a guideline to follow so that he can become a better person, and he followed the concept on a weekly basis. Benjamin Franklins leadership skills influenced many people of his time and also those of today.Franklin is considered to be an important individual who contributed to the national heritage of American society. According R. V. Jones he states that, Franklin has a very special claim as a man of science and sides who had a warm social conscience, deep in loyalties and affection both for the Colonies in which he was born and for the motherland from which his forebears had come. Benjamin Franklin was considered as one of the most prominent scientists in America. He gained much fame from his experiments in electricity and a product of his experiments with electricity was the lightening rod.His inquisitive nature allowed him to explore how many things work and if he found a way to improve on something he would do it. Franklin started out publishing literary works, but his passion for science prevailed much more. As years went on Franklin obtained different positions in his community. According to Jones, Franklin became a Clerk to the Pennsylvania Assembly, and in 1737 Postmaster at Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin was goal driven, he saw and observed things and desired for there to be a change in the Colonies.In 1734 he made a proposal to form an American Philosophical Society, which would help in improving Philadelphia. The control center of his new society in which he was President of was in Philadelphia and by it being located there made Philadelphia more advanced than other cities located thin the colonies. This project that he took charge of allowed for the streets of Philadelphia to be paved, cleaned and to be lit. The establishment of this Society started and environment al cleanup that was well needed in Franklins eyes. In the sasss politics became an active interest for Benjamin Franklin.According to Holman, he states that in politics (Franklin) proved very able both as an administrator and as a controversialists he goes on the say that Franklins most notable service in home politics was his reform of the postal system; but his fame as statesman rests chiefly on hi s services in connection with the relations of the Colonies with Great Britain and later with France. Franklin was sent to England to England for five years so that the people there can become enlighten to the ministry of England as to Colonial conditions (Holman 4).He was sent back to England again in 1764 as an ambassador for the colonies, and at this appointed time he was to petition to the King of England, to take back the government out of the hands of proprietors. The Stamp Act of 1765 took Franklin by surprise due to the fact that he as in opposition to it along with the American Colonies. This event that took place made Franklin question if America should disassemble itself from England. Even though he had many colleagues in England, he was growing quite weary of the dishonesty he saw all around him in politics and royal circles.He took action and proposed a plan to unite the Colonies and he worked diligently towards that goal. Benjamin Franklin had a goal in mind and that was to declare Independence for the Colonies from under Englands rule. Franklin worked on a committee that drafted up he Declaration of Independence, it was signed and passed on July 4th, 1776. This is the day year round that Americans celebrates its Independence from British rule. Benjamin Franklin in his later years was involved with the abolition of slavery.According to The Journal of Negro History it states that, of the fathers of the republic who first saw the evils of slavery, none made a more forceful argument against the institution than Benjamin Franklin. Franklin had strong views on slavery and thought that it should be done away with. The argument that Franklin made against slavery is hat a man of a lowly estate himself, could not sympathize with the man who felt that his bread should be wrung from the sweat of anothers brow (41). He desired to see this institution of human cruelty to be abolished. He didnt see the Justification in having a human being and Africans at that working in the fields producing products for their owner when the owner themselves can perform the same duties. Joseph Downs states that a reading of Franklins letters and biographies leaves a lasting admiration and respect for the wisdom, human sympathy, intellectual curiosity, wit and diplomacy of the man. Without Benjamin Franklins wisdom, knowledge, intellect and courage to stand in the forefront on the behalf of the American Colonies, the American government, as we know it would not exist.