Benjamin Franklin

Joseph, McCall, Kristen

Define the term “self-made man” and apply it to Franklin.

• He was a model for the rags-to-riches story of the self-made man. Franklin's entire life reflected his belief in self-improvement, and from adolescence until his death at eighty-four, he worked constantly to improve his mind, his body, and his behavior. ("PBS home programs ")

• A modern day example of a self made person is Oprah Winfrey who came from a poor family and is now one of the most successful women in the world.

What were hisaccomplishments as a statesman, writer, and inventor?

• Established the Philadelphia public Library • Wrote the Thirteen Names of Virtue (included in his

autobiography) which were• Made a little book in which he allotted a page for each of

the virtues • Invented bifocals • Invented the glass harmonica • Lightening rod inventor • Junto creator (debating club)• Invented the Franklin stove

• Established Pennsylvania's first university • Established America's first city hospital • Wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac• Established the Pennsylvania Gazette • Chosen to be the Commissioner of England • He believed that “the doors to wisdom are

never shut” • Made the first political cartoon

What similaritiesand differences does he share with Jefferson?• Thomas Jefferson called Benjamin Franklin “the greatest man

and ornament of the age and country in which he lived.”• Both politicians • Both worked on and signed the declaration of independence • Both were ambassadors of France • Franklin was more into inventing and sciences than Jefferson

who preferred writing • Franklin was more well rounded than Jefferson

What makes Franklin’sAutobiography a model of the genre?

• Historically, it was one of the first autobiographies written in a non religious format(secular)

• Demonstrated life during the 18th century and 18th century idealism

What virtues does Franklin hope to develop in himself?

• Temperance• Silence• Order• Resolution• Frugality• Industry• Sincerity• Justice

• Moderation• Cleanliness• Tranquility• Chastity• Humility

Works Cited

• "Benjamin Franklin." PBS home programs . Twin Cities Public Television, n.d. Web. 14 Oct 2010. <http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_self.html>.