Benjamin Franklin

Franklin: A Transitional Figure from a Spiritual to a Secular World Objective: Students will discuss the life and contributions of Benjamin Franklin in order to identify a transition from spiritual to secular philosophies. Warm-up: What do you Know about Ben Franklin? How do you know?

Spiritual: concerned with or affecting the soul; relating to god. Secular: worldly; specifically not relating to religion

Franklin is credited as being foundational to the roots of American values and character, a marriage of the practical and democratic Puritan values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism (both political and religious), with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment.

Enlightenment 18th century philisophical movement emphasized reason to examine accepted doctrines and traditions; brought about many humanitarian reforms.

Franklin Franklin is known as the 1st American. He was born just as Puritanism was dying. He left Boston at the age of 17; made a living as a printer; helped to improve the city’s pavements, street lighting, sanitation, etc. Politically, he spoke out against the Stamp Act and served as the first Postmaster General. He assisted in writing the Declaration of Independence; was a brilliant writer and perfected the Puritan plain style of writing.

He was a self-made man—the essence of a “rags to riches” story He was a self-made man—the essence of a “rags to riches” story. He believed that man cold reach perfection through self discipline and adopted 13 virtues by which to live his life. He believed that man controlled his own destiny.

Virtues Temperance- eat not dullness. Drink not to elevation. Silence- Speak not what benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation. Order- Let all your things have places. Let each part of your business have its time. Resolution- Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve. Tranquility- Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. Humility- Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Frugality- make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i. e Frugality- make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. Industry- lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all uneccesary actions. Sincerity- Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly and if you speak, speak accordingly. Justice- Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. Moderation- Avoid extremes. Forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. Cleanliness- tolerate no uncleanliness inbody, clothes or habitation. Chastity- rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.

Independent practice: identify the one virtue you feel you need to improve. Choose the virtue carefully. It will be the focus of your next project.

Journal Project See handout

Franklin’s Aphorisms