I have raised myself to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world Essay Example

I have raised myself to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world Essay It has always been a common belief in this country that there is nothing that cannot be obtained through hard work and diligence. This is a belief that America was founded on and leaned against during its hardest times-this is the American dream. On the surface level, Benjamin Franklins Autobiography reflects upon the life of an extraordinary man who was able to come from the meager beginning of youngest son to a position of financial well being and social status. Nevertheless, Franklins autobiography contains a plethora of contradictions and flaws and one comes to doubt just how much appraisal he actually deserves. Franklin has noble aspirations; but, because they are directed by his relentless effort to achieve prosperity and great industry, his autobiography ultimately portrays him as a model of tyranny and arrogance. Franklin has noble aspirations; but, because they are directed by his industrious nature and relentless effort to achieve prosperity, his autobiography portrays him as a man who contradicts the very ideals he advocates. Throughout Benjamin Franklins Autobiography, we observe actions and decisions that credit him as Americas prime example of a self made man. While this journey to glory and success was shaped by his own two hands and with good intentions, the social standing and wealth did not come without breaches in morality and good work ethics. Franklins journey to financial success began in a community of commoners and a humble family where the sons all had to work at early ages. However, even at an early age, we see a manifestation of Franklins keen intellect and determination to better himself as he begins to build his future. About this time I met with an odd Volume of the SpectatorI bought it, read it over and over, and was much delighted with it. I thought the Writing was excellent, and wishd if possible to imitate it (546). Franklin proceeds to master the art of writing by meticulously copying sections from the Spectator and other works with an intense diligence. We will write a custom essay sample on I have raised myself to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on I have raised myself to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on I have raised myself to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Moreover, Franklin is not content with simply writing like the Spectator, he wants to rise above it. This was to teach me Method in the Arrangement of Thoughts. By comparing my Work afterwards with the original, I discoverd many faults and amended them; but I sometimes had the Pleasure of Fancying that in certain particulars of small Import, I had been lucky enough to improve the Method or the Language and this encouragd me to think I might possibly in time come to be tolerable English Writer, of which I was extremely ambitious (546-47). Franklin constantly checked himself for self improvement and his ambition manifests itself in every aspect of his early life. From these examples in Franklins early life, we see that he has the determination, intellect, and aptitude to climb the social and economic ladder. Nevertheless, as time elapses in the following pages of his autobiography, we find that though Franklin should be applauded for his accomplishments, he should also be condemned for attaining them through manipulation and dishonesty. In fact, the actions he makes directly conflicts with his noble belief that Truth, Sincerity, and Integrity in Dealings between Man and Man, were of utmost Importance to the Felicity of Life (575). One of his first dealings is with a man named Samuel Keimer, a printer in Philadelphia whom Franklin starts out working for, but through deceit and manipulation, manages to rise above him. Soon after Franklin is employed at Keimers print shop, he makes the judgment that these two printers I found poorly qualified for their BusinessKeimer tho something of a Scholar, was a mere Compositor, knowing nothing of Presswork (555). Following his shrewd instincts, Franklin conspires against his boss when Governor Sir William Keith comes with a better job opportunity. In the meantime the Intention was to be kept secret, and I went on working with Keimer as usual, the Governor sending for me now and then to dine with him, a very great Honor I thought itAbout the End of April 1724, a little Vessel offerd for Boston. I took Leave of Keimer as going to see my friends (556). Here, Franklins ambitious character has put business and social standing above personal integrity and honesty. Although one ma y not consider this deception particularly bad in the business realm, it is his decision to keep Keimer in the dark for he suspected nothing of my Setting up (560) and as a safety backup that is morally questionable. In addition to disloyalty, Franklin is also capable of revenge. As Franklin and Keimers relationship deteriorates over time, they eventually have a complete fall out when Keimer steals one of Franklins paper publishing ideas. I resented this, and to counteract them, as I could not yet begin our Paper, I wrote several Pieces of Entertainment for Bradfords Paper (578). To gain control again, Franklin writes for the rival paper, publicly ridicules Keimer, and effectively manages to shut down Keimers paper before it has a chance to begin. The Person that bought them employd Keimer to use them, but in a few years died. There remaind now no Competitor with me at Philadelphia (581). Franklin is acclaimed for his shrewd politics in dealing with Keiser and other opponents of his business career. In comparison to the early accounts of his childhood, we can see that Franklin has definitely risen up from his humble origins. However, the passion for perfection and prosperity that created Franklin s self made man image has also directed him to step on his associates, manipulate, and beguile them with no hesitation or shame. Inside Franklins private life, it becomes even more obvious that he consistently puts pragmatics and ambition over morals. Part two opens with two letters to Franklin encouraging him to continue and publish his brook. quote ( ). Franklins book is no longer merely a story of his life; he now seems to sincerely create a future model by which people can better their lives. Directed by his passion for self betterment, Franklin takes on the bold and arduous project of arriving at Moral Perfection (591). This is a fine aspiration and Franklin tackles it with firm resolution-creating calendars, charts, and little books imploring for guidance. Father of Light and Life, thou Good supreme, O teach me what is good, teach me thy self! Save me from Folly, Vanity and Vice, From every low Pursuit, and fill my Soul With Knowledge, conscious Peace, and Virtue pure, Sacred, substantial, neverfading Bliss! (595). Nevertheless, under more careful examination, we find mixed signals to Franklins said beliefs and ideals. Franklins original intention was the enrichment of his moral life. However, once again his ambitious and pragmatic character gets the best of him. Frugality and Industry, by freeing me from my remaining Debt, and producing Affluence and Independence would make more easy the Practice of Sincerity and Justice, (594). On analyzing Bens priority of virtues, it is interesting to note that he puts qualities associated with producing social and economic affluence above those that truly characterize moral values-just as he put retribution above honesty and good conscience with his boss Keimer. Franklins underlying definition of moral perfection is best explained by contrasting it with a Puritans definition. While Puritans do good for the sake of salvation, Franklin does it for pragmatic and utilitarian purposes. Even the audience his manual is directed at is affected. I had purposely avoided them; for being fully persuaded of the Utility and Excellency of my Method, and that it might be serviceable to People in all ReligionsI would not have anything in it that should prejudice anyone of any Sect against it (598). This in and of itself, is a contradiction because prior to making his famous list of virtues, Franklin announced, I wishd to live without committing any Fault at anytime; I would conquer all that either Natural Inclination, Custom, or Company might lead me into (591). While integrity and justice are extremely important, they serve second to pragmatic values when it comes to securing a profitable future-thus, one must take caution before applying Franklins self help manual to our own personal lives. While the aforementioned was determined by analyzing his famous list of virtues-the actions and decisions Franklin makes among his friends, family and acquaintances serve to strengthen the notion that his life contradicts his ideals. Throughout the novel, Franklin repeatedly points out his own skills by showing that another individual was unable to accomplish the same things he did. I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common Diet for thatI went on pleasantly, but Poor Keimer sufferd grievously, tird of the Project, longd for the Flesh Pots of Egypt, and orderd a roast Pig (561). Granted, Keimer is not the model citizen, yet the point remains, Keimer held a position of authority over Franklin and thus, Franklins criticism of him illustrates his vengeful nature and creates doubt that Franklin is as virtuous as he claims to be. Franklin outlines yet another time when he rose up to become better than the people who was superior to him earlier on in life-this time, his own brother. If Franklin was really as humble and modest as he declares, he would not have visited his brother better dressd than ever while in his Service, having a genteel new Suit from head to food, a Watch, and in my Porckets lind with near Five Pounds Sterling in Silver ( page ). Franklin is undoubtedly extremely intelligent and possesses all the qualities of a successful businessman. Nevertheless, his success in the printing industry does not prove moral success. In fact, if humility and respect were the factors that bring affluence, Franklin would be penniless. And yet, there are still numerous times in the Autobiography when Franklin sounds like he is trying to prove to the reader of his virtues. A Doctor Baird notes, and Franklin readily reports, that Franklin is superior to anything I ever saw of the kind: I see him still at work when I go home from Club; and he is at Work again before his Neighbors are out of bed (page #). Franklin is industrious and frugal, but this blatant boast shows that Franklin takes great measure to flaunt his hard work and ensure his reputation. In trying so hard to appear virtuous, Franklins integrity is thrown into doubt-is he really so humble and diligent, or is it just an elaborate faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade to appear moral?