Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin

Worked as a printer for his brother’s print shop By the time he was 16, he was writing columns for his

brother’s newspaper Moved to Philadelphia to open his own print shop Retired at 42 Played an important role in the drafting of the

Declaration and enlisting the French to help in our war. Responsible for inventing street lamps, lightening rod,

and bifocal eye glasses and establishing the fire department and public library (among many other things)

Benjamin Franklin

In his autobiography, he describes how he

attempted to become the perfect person/citizen.

Using logic and scientific reasoning (values and elements of the time of Rationalism), he attempted to achieve perfection at 1 virtue a week, adding another virtue when he became successful at maintaining the first.

Ben Franklin’s Secret to Success

Temperance Silence Order Resolution Frugality Industry Sincerity Justice Moderation Cleanliness Tranquility Chastity Humility

13 Virtues to Perfection

He made this list in a particular order, thinking that his achievement of the previous virtue would help him accomplish the next one

He was not successful in achieving perfection (no one would be). However, he became a better man because he tried.

Franklin’s most popular and enduring contribution to American (literary) culture.

Franklin published the manuscript under the pseudonym “Richard Saunders.” The character was a dull and foolish astronomer who became thoughtful, pious, and humorous over the years.

Poor Richard’s Almanack

Almanack: an annual publication containing

information, observations, and adviceWhat was in an Almanack?Practical information about the calendarSun and moon phasesWeather (from the previous year)Agricultural adviceAphorisms

What’s an Almanack?

Aphorism: short, witty (and often humorous)

homespun sayings and observations with a message about life or humanity

(also known in our culture as proverbs and maxims)

Example:“If you would know the value of money, try to

borrow some.”

Such aphorisms were often at the top and bottom of each page of his Alamanck.

What’s an Aphorism?

Directions: Part 1

Turn to page 146 Create the following

chart in your journal (2 columns with 26 rows—one for each aphorism)

Fill in the chart, discussing the interpretation of each aphorism and how it reflects the virtues Franklin valued.

Aphorism

Meaning/Interpretation

Virtue the Aphorism reflects

Write the aphorism here

Write the meaning or interpretation here

Write the virtue (out of the 13 Franklin mentions in his autobiography) that the aphorism reflects

Directions: Part 2

In your groups, come up with three additional aphorisms that you have heard/referenced before.

(They cannot be examples from this PowerPoint)

Choose your favorite one of the three and illustrate it in your journal.

Examples: