Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin

The Modest Modernist: Ben Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, in his Autobiography, demonstrates a life and way of thinking that greatly contrasts that of his predecessors, the Puritans.  Living against the typical conservative, religiously-devoted norm, he sought out knowledge in his youth and molded himself to be … Continue reading

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Benjamin Franklin and Agency: This Man was a Beast

Reading Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography (which I think is hilarious, by the way) I was thoroughly impressed by this amazing and quirky Renaissance man. I enjoy his writing style and subtle sarcasm and wit.  My over enthusiastic like of him may … Continue reading

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Is Benjamin Franklin a Puritan?

No.  But from Puritan autobiography to Benjamin Franklin, there is a noticeable change in what Watson and Smith call the ideological “I”.  In Reading Autdbiography, they define the ideological “I” as the “mobile positionalities of the ‘I’” or in other … Continue reading

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The 13 Virtues for Autobiography Writing, inspired by Benjamin Franklin

1. Temperance Don’t talk about a subject or event until you wear out its interest. Don’t overuse words to the point of dulling their meaning. 2. Silence Know when to withhold your opinions from the text; allow the reader at times … Continue reading

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Ethics: Franklin vs. The Puritans

In his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin expresses his concern for ethics and encourages his own learned set of values. This is most easily seen in his list of thirteen virtues which include temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, … Continue reading

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