Benjamin Franklin Printer, Scientist, Statesman, Philosopher CITIZEN Journal: Which of Franklin’s 13 virtues is most important to you? Which do you need the most work on? Which aphorism (from Poor Richard’s Almanac) do you like best? Which virtue does that aphorism relate to?

Benjamin Franklin Prominent citizen of Boston and Philadelphia As a printer he had access to publish his own essays and articles The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Poor Richard’s Almanac

Benjamin Franklin Poor Richard’s Almanac Published annually from 1732 – 1757 Contained information, observations, and advice Each page contained an aphorism –Short, pithy sayings with a meaning –“No gains without pains” –“Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead” –“An open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended friend is often worse” Common sense messages that relied on rhetorical wit

Benjamin Franklin Autobiography – a nonfiction work in which a person tells the story of his or her own life –Consider point of view –Consider bias The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin –Published in 3 sections starting in 1789 –Focused on self-improvement –Provides insight into early American values Industry (hard work), frugality, justice –Describes the daily routine of a privileged white male –Encouraged self-improvement through reflection bit-benjamin-franklin-in-search-of-a-better-world-comes-to-denton/

Benjamin Franklin Franklin’s narratives are meant to inform and appeal to readers’ logic Franklin’s approach was pivotal to our nation’s freedom from British rule