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The Quest for Moral Perfection Benjamin Franklin is undoubtedly one of the
most influential figures in American history. The numerous advancements
contributed by Franklin were made possible by a lot of work on his part. His
outlook is best represented by his famous quote, “Dost thou love life? Then do
not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” Franklin did not sway
from that philosophy, and spent little time at leisure, as it was not
productive. Franklin’s work ethic, moral outlook, and constant interest in
self-improvement throughout his life are his biggest claims to fame. Franklin’s
strict adherence to his thirteen virtues-which he created in his pursuit of
moral perfection-is responsible for many of his countless contributions to the
colonies. Very important to Franklin’s life, was the little book he carried on
his person at all times. In this book, he charted on a day to day basis, which
virtues he had not obeyed, and marked a check for each mistake. Franklin set
aside one week per virtue, and ordered his virtues such that whenever perfection
in a virtue was attained, it would make achieving the following virtue easier.
Franklin found that he had much to improve upon. Another ingredient to
Franklin’s recipe for greatness was his daily schedule. Franklin divided his day
up by the hour and knew what he was to be doing at all times. This he found
difficult at times, and involving the virtue Order, at one time he almost gave
up. In one of Franklin's few pessimistic moments, he is quoted as saying, “This
article (order) therefore cost me so much painful attention, and my faults in it
vexed me so much…that I was almost ready to give up the attempt and content
myself with a faulty character in that respect.” An amusing anecdote about a man
who concludes that “a speckled axe is best” follows, and in looking back on his
life, Franklin demonstrates his mastery of the thirteenth virtue, Humility. Even
before he set his thirteen virtues to writing, Franklin could be seen
demonstrating many of them. In one instance involving his friend Collins,
Franklin demonstrates Resolution, Justice, and Sincerity. During a voyage,
Collins refuses to row, and Franklin resolves to perform what he must. An
argument ensued, and Franklin, knowing that Collins was a good swimmer, decided
the only course of action would be to throw him overboard. He was in a clear
state of mind the whole time, and did absolutely nothing that he would regret
later on. Temperance was also a virtue that Franklin had practiced his entire
life. He was never a heavy drinker, and always ate in moderation. Franklin
prided himself on being an excellent debater, and while creating his virtues, he
added Silence as a guide to others explaining one reason he was such an
excellent crafter of argument. “2.
Silence- Speak not but what may benefit
others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.” Franklin means for others not
to get caught up in petty squabbles, but rather to speak only to that which is
important, and when doing so, only to benefit the other party. When you mix the
Silence virtue with the Sincerity virtue, which Franklin is quoted as meaning
“Use no harmful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak
accordingly.” you will become well respected, and a very powerful arguer.
Franklin himself was both, and through trials, tribulations, and experience,
sets forth these very useful tools of debate. The two virtues that Franklin was
exceptionally good at were Industry and Frugality. “6. Industry- Lose not time.
Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.” There
was not one time after his childhood during which Franklin was not employed, or
at the very least, seeking work. The little leisure time Franklin allowed
himself was spent in the pursuit of self-education, by reading books or engaging
in conversation or argument with a friend. During most of his life he held down
many jobs throughout the city, and had other money coming in from the numerous
print shops he had gone into partnership and paid the overhead costs for. “5.
Frugality- Make no expence but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste
nothing.”
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