1. 2 November 2012 O Do you think perfection is possible or at least worth striving for? O If so, what are some goals that you’ve had in your attempt to better yourself? O If not, write a few sentences explaining why you think perfection is unattainable. O Have you read any self-help books? If so, which ones? Did they help you achieve your goals?

2. Let’s read about Benjamin Franklin O Turn to page 262. O What do you think he was like, based on what you read? Ex: Ambitious, innovative,etc.

3. Characteristics of an Autobiography O First person: From a first person point of view. What is the advantage of this? O Dual perspective: Author writes an autobiography as an older person looking back on him/herself as a younger person, providing opportunities for reflection. O Significant moments: Important events and people in the author’s life are highlighted.

4. The 13 Virtues O Read the 13 Virtues on page 266. O Pick 3 you could work on yourself and write them in your journal. O Why did you choose these 3? How will working on these virtues help you to become a better person? O Based on this list by Franklin, what inference can be made about his view of his own moral character? Explain.

5. “The precept of Order requiring that every part of my business should have its allotted time…” O Look at the schedule written by Franklin on page 268. O Franklin asks himself questions at the beginning and end of his day. What are they? O Write a typical day’s schedule for you. Does your life have order? Do you engage in any “time wasters”? (surfing net, texting, playing video games, watching tv, etc.)

6. What conclusions or insight does Franklin come to in his quest for perfection?

7. From Poor Richard’s Almanac O Read over the aphorisms on page 271. O Pick 5 that you’ve never heard before or that interest you. O Decide which of the 13 virtues each aphorism describes. What key words helped you?