Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a man of many talents, left behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire and guide individuals today. Among his many accomplishments, Franklin developed a unique system of virtues that he believed would lead to personal and professional success. Surprisingly, Franklin begins his program with the virtue of temperance. But why did he choose this particular virtue as the starting point? In this blog post, we will delve into Franklin’s reasoning and explore the evidence from his text to gain a deeper understanding of his approach. So, let’s travel back in time and discover the significance of temperance in Franklin’s life.
Note: This blog post will also address intriguing questions such as why Franklin organized the virtues in a specific way, who invented lightning, why the virtue of order posed challenges, and how much time Franklin allotted to each virtue.
Keywords: Why does Franklin organize the virtues in this way?, Who invented lightning?, Why does Franklin begin his program with temperance cite and explain evidence from the text in your answer?, Why is it surprising that the virtue of order gives him the most trouble?, How much time has Franklin allotted to each virtue?
Why Franklin Kicks Off His Program with Temperance
In Benjamin Franklin’s quest for personal and moral improvement, he strategically begins his program with the virtue of temperance. But why? Well, let’s dive into the text and explore the evidence that sheds light on Franklin’s reasoning.
Franklin’s Quote on Temperance
Franklin explains his rationale for starting with temperance in his autobiography, saying:
“I conceiv’d the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish’d to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see what I should render myself unworthy of any other good by enlisting before I attempt’d to acquire the virtues.”
The Logical Launchpad
By beginning with temperance, Franklin establishes a strong foundation for his pursuit of moral perfection. Temperance, which refers to moderation and self-control, acts as a sort of launchpad for the other virtues he intends to cultivate.
Taming the Appetite Beast
Temperance primarily addresses the challenge of controlling one’s physical appetites. Franklin acknowledges that indulging in excessive food and drink can cloud judgment and hinder progress towards moral excellence. By mastering temperance, one can better resist cravings and temptations, making it easier to focus on other virtues.
Avoiding Hypocrisy
Moreover, starting with temperance helps Franklin avoid the trap of hypocrisy. He believes that it would be contradictory to seek moral improvement while simultaneously indulging in behaviors that go against that very pursuit. By practicing temperance, Franklin aligns his actions with his desired values, establishing authenticity and integrity.
Balancing Pleasure and Discipline
Franklin acknowledges the importance of pleasure in life but emphasizes the need for balance. By incorporating temperance into his program, he aims to strike a harmonious equilibrium between enjoyment and discipline. This balance allows for a more fulfilling and purpose-driven existence while minimizing the negative consequences of excess.
A Joking Matter
Franklin, known for his wit and humor, once playfully said:
“Eat to live, and not live to eat, as the bears are said to do with us.”
Employing his knack for humor, Franklin recognizes that excessive consumption can reduce humans to the level of bears, driven solely by basic instincts. Through temperance, he encourages individuals to rise above the primal urge to overindulge and aspire to a higher state of being.
By commencing his journey towards moral perfection with temperance, Franklin sets the stage for a virtuous life full of self-control, balance, and authenticity. So, let’s take a leaf out of Franklin’s book and begin our own adventures in temperance!
FAQ: Answers to Your Burning Questions about Franklin’s Virtuous Journey
Why does Franklin organize the virtues in this way
Franklin’s organization of virtues reflects his strategic approach to self-improvement. By starting with temperance and progressing to virtues like silence, order, and industry, he establishes a foundation for leading a disciplined and balanced life. This arrangement allows individuals to build upon each virtue, forming habits that enhance their character and contribute to overall success.
Who invented lightning
Well, no one really “invented” lightning, but Benjamin Franklin did conduct extensive experiments with it. He famously flew a kite during a thunderstorm and attached a metal key, which led to him discovering that lightning is a form of electricity. His groundbreaking research in the field of electricity earned him the title of “The Lightning Rod of American Science.”
Why does Franklin begin his program with temperance? Cite and explain evidence from the text in your answer.
Franklin kick-starts his program with temperance because he believes it sets the tone for self-control and moderation in all areas of life. By practicing temperance, he aims to avoid excessive indulgence in pleasures or vices that hinder personal growth.
In his autobiography, Franklin explains, “I made a little book, in which I allotted a page for each of the virtues. I ruled each page with red ink, so as to have seven columns, one for each day of the week.” This demonstrates his dedication to the systematic approach of nurturing virtues. Franklin recognized that without temperance, one’s efforts to cultivate other virtues could easily be derailed by impulsive behavior and lack of discipline.
Why is it surprising that the virtue of order gives him the most trouble
Ah, the virtue of order – the bane of many lives! It seems amusing that a man as accomplished as Franklin would struggle with something as seemingly mundane as order. However, the truth is that maintaining order in one’s life requires constant effort and vigilance.
In his autobiography, Franklin admits, “My scheme of ORDER gave me the most trouble.” He goes on to explain how he often found himself slipping into disorderliness despite his best intentions. This revelation highlights the universal challenge many people face when it comes to organizing their lives and priorities. If even Franklin struggled with order, we can certainly forgive ourselves for the occasional desk clutter or misplaced car keys.
How much time has Franklin allotted to each virtue
Franklin was a man of diligence and efficiency, and he believed in making the most of his time. To ensure he dedicated ample attention to each virtue, Franklin assigned a specific week to focus on each one. This rotation allowed him to cycle through all thirteen virtues in the span of thirteen weeks.
In his autobiography, he explains, “I…gave a week’s strict attention to each virtue successively.” Franklin’s systematic approach demonstrates his commitment to self-improvement by giving equal importance to all virtues within a designated time frame.
In Conclusion
Franklin’s journey towards self-improvement through his virtues is a fascinating endeavor. By organizing his virtues strategically and starting with temperance, he sets the foundation for discipline and moderation. Despite the challenges he faced, including wrestling with the virtue of order, Franklin remained dedicated to his pursuit of personal growth. His approach of allocating a week to each virtue highlights his commitment to maximizing his time and efforts. So, let’s channel our inner Franklin and embark on our own virtuous journeys – one week at a time!
