Poor Richard’s Almanack Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin 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)

Ben Franklin’s Secret to Success 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.

13 Virtues to Perfection Temperance Silence Order Resolution Frugality Industry Sincerity Justice Moderation Cleanliness Tranquility Chastity Humility 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.

Poor Richard’s Almanack 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.

What’s an Almanack? Almanack: an annual publication containing information, observations, and advice What was in an Almanack? Practical information about the calendar Sun and moon phases Weather (from the previous year) Agricultural advice Aphorisms

from The Autobiography Directions: Copy/answer the following questions. 1. How does Franklin begin his project to achieve moral perfection?  2. What does Franklin’s goal of moral “perfection” suggest about the values of the time period?  3. Which virtue is most difficult for Franklin to master?  4. Why does Franklin devote a week to each of the virtues? 5. What is the best way to summarize Franklin’s philosophy at the end of the selection? “10 Modern Virtues” In small groups, develop your own list of “modern virtues” (that is, virtues for the 21st Century). Make a list of 10 virtues. Each virtue needs a title and definition/description. After you have finished, circle the top 3 virtues you find most important. Be ready to discuss!

What’s an Aphorism? 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: “The early bird gets the worm.” Such aphorisms were often at the top and bottom of each page of his Almanack.

Virtue the Aphorism reflects Directions: Part 1 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 Turn to page 146 Create the following chart on a sheet of paper (3 columns with 5 rows—one for each aphorism) Choose 5 of the aphorisms from your book. Fill in the chart, discussing the interpretation of each aphorism and how it reflects the virtues Franklin valued.

Directions: Part 2 APHORISM BOOKMARK TASK: You are creating your own personal bookmark. This will be the only one like it in existence. Choose and write on bookmark one aphorism that illustrates what you try to live by. Represent yourself by using colors and symbols that best represent your personality, hobbies, and interests. *Write your name somewhere on the bookmark *Do a good job! These will be laminated for you to keep & use 