Benjamin Franklin

1. Journal: • Which of Franklin’s 13 virtues is most important to you? • Which do you need the most work on? • Which aphorism (from Poor Richard’s Almanac) • do you like best? • Which virtue does that aphorism relate to? Benjamin Franklin Printer, Scientist, Statesman, Philosopher CITIZEN http://www.learn360.com/ShowVideo.aspx?ID=136742

2. Benjamin Franklin • Prominent citizen of Boston and Philadelphia • As a printer he had access to publish his own essays and articles • The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin • Poor Richard’s Almanac

3. Benjamin Franklin • Poor Richard’s Almanac • Published annually from 1732 – 1757 • Contained information, observations, and advice • Each page contained an aphorism • Short, pithy sayings with a meaning • “No gains without pains” • “Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead” • “An open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended friend is often worse” • Common sense messages that relied on rhetorical wit

4. Benjamin Franklin • Autobiography – a nonfiction work in which a person tells the story of his or her own life • Consider point of view • Consider bias • The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin • Published in 3 sections starting in 1789 • Focused on self-improvement • Provides insight into early American values • Industry (hard work), frugality, justice • Describes the daily routine of a privileged white male • Encouraged self-improvement through reflection http://dentonlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/04/23/traveling-exhi bit-benjamin-franklin-in-search-of-a-better-world-comes-to-denton/

5. Benjamin Franklin • Franklin’s narratives are meant to inform and appeal to readers’ logic • Franklin’s approach was pivotal to our nation’s freedom from British rule http://library.thinkquest.org/22254/frintfac.htm