Benjamin Franklin: a Learning Lover

Benjamin Franklin loved learning and was always trying to get better. His autobiography proves that Franklin put effort into his writing and was always trying to work harder to get better at his writing skills. Throughout the book, Benjamin dedicated his time and most of his life to a list he made up of thirteen virtues. Out of the thirteen virtues, three will be talked about in this paper. Industry is the first virtue that will be discussed. Benjamin describes industry as, Industry loose no time; be always employed in something useful, cut off all unnecessary actions. (Franklin 65) The second virtue is frugality. Frugality is defined as, Frugality- Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; waste nothing (Franklin 64). Last but not least is humility. Benjamin says that humility is Humility- Imitate Jesus and Socrates (Franklin 65). In Benjamin Franklinr's life he strived to gain knowledge and improve himself, taking every opportunity that came his way using these three virtues. Benjamin Franklin made sure that he was always employed. He worked in different places and was always traveling around. Even though he would be employed somewhere he did not ever seem scared to leave that place and start a new adventure. He wrote, I then thought of going to New York, as the nearest place where there was a printer; and I was rather inclined to leave Boston (Franklin 16). While traveling for work Franklin also learned and experienced many new things that would help him gain skills he would need in the future. I was employed in cutting wick for candles, filling the dipping mold and molds for cast candles, attending the shop, running errands (Franklin 6-7). These quotes show the virtue of industry through his love for working and learning, Industry loose no time; be always employed in something useful, cut off all unnecessary actions, (Franklin 65). Out of the thirteen virtues that Franklin believed in industry is one of the biggest he devoted his life to. Franklin cared about others and not just himself. Although he showed the world a hard layer of self-worth on the outside, he cared about other peoples feelings as well. He wrote, In our way, a drunken Dutchman who was a passenger too, fell over board and was sinking, so I reached through the water and dragged him up (Franklin 64). There is not only one quote on his kindness in the book, there are many. Another time Franklin wrote, Let the Englishmen not only respect you, but to also love you. When the individuals enter in your native country, they will go nearer to thinking well of your country, (Franklin 59). In this quote Franklin is telling us that the way you live your life represents not only you, but also where you are from. These examples represent frugality as one of his thirteen virtues. In the times that others are in need, Franklin does not hesitate to help. In fact, he jumps right into action. He said, It was proposed to send a armored force immediately, into these counties with horses and carriages. That the service shall be necessary to chive and I shall take care of them (Franklin 108). Not only does Franklin jump in and help with wars, he also helps with other big things such as womenr's education. He wrote, Recommending that branch of education for our young females, are more likely to be more use to them and their children. (Franklin 77) Franklin proved that there were men who believed in women and girls. Franklin knew how smart girls were and how useful they could be in the world so he fought for their education. These examples show Franklinr's virtue of humility, Humility- Imitate Jesus and Socrates (Franklin 65). Throughout Benjamin Franklinr's life he strived to gain knowledge and improve himself, taking every opportunity that came his way. It is important to know the accomplishments that Benjamin Franklin achieved and how he achieved them by following his list of virtues. It is also important that mankind knows that he was very accomplished but he was also very kind, loving, and strove to help others. Throughout the book Franklin was always tying to get better at his list of thirteen virtues. Three of the thirteen seemed to stand out the most, industry, frugality, and humility. Even though Benjamin Franklinr's autobiography can seem to be boring, once you get to know him and what he has done to help the country he seems a little more interesting after all.

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