Write a response 100 words
Benjamin Franklin was one of the founding fathers. After being born in the Massachusetts Bay Colony he would move to Philadelphia from Boston in 1723. While in Philadelphia he would meet his wife Deborah and work an assortment of jobs including bookkeeper, shopkeeper, and currency cutter. Benjamin Franklin is now featured on the $100 bill; his accomplishments are too many to list here but some of them include: drafting the Declaration of Independance & Constitution, demonstrating that lightning was electricity in 1752, inventing Bi-Focal glasses, and publishing Poor Richard’s Almanack from 1732-1758.
· In your opinion, what was the author’s purpose for writing this work? The work I decided to review was chapter 9 of Ben Franklin’s autobiography titled, Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection. I believe Ben Franklin wrote this chapter in his book because he wanted to influence a younger generation to strive to be their best and also worship God. Ben Franklin is very retrospective in this chapter and he discusses the purpose of his notebook he was always carrying around. He discusses how he identified his weaknesses and how difficult it was for him to improve at some of them; especially virtue number 3, order. Ben Franklin subtely brings God into the equation when he is discussing a venture he wanted to embark on called The Society of the Free and Easy, but was never able to due to old age and time constraints.
· Consider the author’s personal experiences. What biographical facts or elements from their life are used in the writing? Are any used but changed? Please provide specific, cited examples. One biographical fact used in this writing is the creed he wrote for The Society of the Free and Easy. The quote appears as so:
“That there is one God, who made all things.
“That he governs the world by his providence.
“That he ought to be worshiped by adoration, prayer, and thanksgiving.
“But that the most acceptable service of God is doing good to man.
“That the soul is immortal.
“And that God will certainly reward virtue and punish vice, either here or hereafter.”
This quote comes from a time in Benjamin Franklin’s life when he was seriously considering trying to begin a group of collective thinkers.
· Which aspects of the writing provide additional insight into the author’s life/experiences? This writing provides insight into his life because it shows an aspect of Benjamin Franklin’s humility in accepting and serving a higher power. Although he was unable to create the society it shows an eager attitude for his worship that he relied on throughout his illustrious career.
· Were you able to relate to the author and/or their work(s) this week? Why or why not? I could relate to Benjamin Franklin in this chapter. In this chapter he is identifying his weaknesses and discussing ways in which he has thought to improve himself. This chapter reinforced a lot of teachings I have already received in my life such as writing goals, measuring progress, and focusing on improving only a couple areas at a time for real growth. In the 37th chapter of the Book of Mormon, Alma speaks saying, “behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” This principle can be seen everywhere around us and small habits become virtues.
