Essays on Benjamin Franklin

Mounted on the one hundred dollar bill and known for his many contributions and inventions to society, Benjamin Franklin is known as velour inspiration and wisdom. However, under this scenario, Franklin is an arrogant, self-conceited narcissist who only accomplished exceptional tasks, such as inventing the stove in 1742 not to better society, but simply to appease himself. Such evidence is portrayed in his autobiography, which Franklin named The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. In this said autobiography are numerous instances where Franklin’s arrogance and hypocrisy is blatantly obvious. Much of these egotistical instances are apparent using diction, syntax, mood, Continue reading...

The classic American myth of rags-to-riches can be seen in the lives of Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass. These self-made aspects of their lives can be seen in the narratives of the stories of their lives. Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass became very successful in achieving their goals. Their lives paint a clear picture of self-made individuals who fought odds in their lives and struggled to become famous and highly revered individuals in America. Even though they were separated, by time, place and circumstances, the two writers had a similar chronology of life events in their narratives. Benjamin Franklin Continue reading...

The book is written in a memoir fashion for the events that took place in Benjamin Franklin’s life. It is a descriptive book on Benjamin Franklin’s character as well as how he was tormented with his life and the different scenarios that were presented to him in wake of revolt and other major issues facing the union. The book comprises of years that initiate from 1726 all the way to 1790 when he died. This book provides key insight to all the details that went into the life of one of the most famous founding fathers of Continue reading...

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In the article, The Declaration of States, author Thomas Jefferson tried to rationalize the importance of securing autonomy if only to establish a degree of authority on a particular area. This authority is meant focus only on the improving one’s area of responsibility for effective management and to secure productivity that could contribute to the national economic gains of the nation to which it belongs to. On the other hand, in an article entitled The Way to Wealth, Benjamin Franklin talks about productivity from a different perspective and the role of the government in Continue reading...

Christopher Columbus and Leif Ericsson

Every year on October 12, inhabitants of the Americas celebrate one of the greatest event in history – the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Norseman Leif Ericsson was the one who with at least 35 men on boat hit the beach of America five hundred years prior to Christopher Columbus. The connection is the Americas, its discovery.

Benjamin Franklin and Richard Saunders

Benjamin Franklin and Richard Saunders relate to one person – one of the founding fathers of the United States of America – Benjamin Franklin. The connection is the “Poor Richard's Almanac” published between 1732 and 1758.

Mary Dyer and Richard Nixon

Mary Dyer, English Puritan, who joined the Quakers, Continue reading...

Book review

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is the traditional name for Franklin’s Memoirs, the unfinished records of Franklin’s life, written between 1771 and 1790. The Autobiography was never published during the lifetime of Franklin. While it was several times published in original view in French and English, the most popular version is the one, edited by J.Bigelow. This edition contains both ready parts and the notions about the unexecuted portion of the Franklin’s plan (Franklin 53). The book consists of four parts that represent different periods of life of Benjamin Franklin. The purpose of the edited Autobiography Continue reading...

Book response Essay

The role of biography in understanding historical events and historical personalities is significant. It helps us to get to know more about the certain period of history and about those who act in these periods. It is impossible to imagine events without any notion about personalities who may also develop their feature in certain historical contexts.
One of the prominent historical personalities of the 18th century is the personality of Benjamin Franklin. Many biographies were written about this political leader, and every of them is intended to reflect the hidden truth in the historical context and events that took Continue reading...

Franklin, B. (2005). “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”. New York City: Dover Publications; New edition edition.

Book Review: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Introduction
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin is considered to be one of the most well-liked works of American literature; this delightful self-description has been interpreted into approximately every language. It is a book that covers Franklin's life all the way up to his pre-war visit in London as the agent of the Pennsylvania Gathering, as well as his year as a boy, work as a printer, experimentations with political career, electricity, and many other things that made Benjamin the remarkable Continue reading...

"H.W. Brands, Miracle at Philadelphia" Summary
H.W. Brands’ essay “Miracle at Philadelphia” is a narrative account of the Constitutional Convention that took place in Philadelphia in 1787 at the Pennsylvania State House. The essay contains names of the prominent delegates, including Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and James Madison, who attended the convention. Initially, “[t]he Convention was to be kept a profound secret” (Brands 122). A majority of the delegates had once been a part of the Continental Congress, and were familiar with the restrictions that the Articles of Confederation had placed on the national government. Brands’ Continue reading...

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin is arguably one of the most alluded to individuals by today’s scholars and philosophers. He is a source of inspiration to many people through his literary work, his life as an inventor, politician, a printer and a scientist. It is not fallacious that Benjamin Franklin paved and shone the light for today’s crop of scientists. Yet in his grandeur and spectacular, he believed in very basic ideals. As will be espoused in the paper, he believed in virtue to civic duty and personal life, personal conduct and learning how to read and write. While some Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin, in many ways, represented the essential American character that the newly founded nation was to acquire over the succeeding centuries. From the epoch-making years of the American War of Independence marked by an all-pervading sense of great destiny that awaited us, emerged great personalities like George Washington, the astute general and irresistible leader of men, Thomas Jefferson, a man of over-riding principles and grand concepts, John Quincy Adams, sagacious strategist and many others who together gave voice to the collective aspirations of the thirteen colonies who threw off the yoke of British domination. If they were all Continue reading...

In the letter from Benjamin Franklin’s father written at Twyford, at the Bishop of St. Asaph’s in 1771 he informs Ben that, he was born and his early years in poverty and obscurity, from which he himself to a state of affluence celebrity in the world. He goes on to tell of the good fortune that accompanied him into his later years. Then he thanks Providence and tells how he wants to learn the means he employed to meet with this success. .
Benjamin Franklin’s father thanks Providence for his good fortune, however the remainder of the Continue reading...

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin wrote one of the most intelligent and purposeful autobiographies in history. Franklin emerged from the American Revolution one of the most famous men in the world. An inventor/entrepreneur/publisher/writer with a keen sense of self-promotion, Franklin was spectacularly successful at using his celebrity as a platform from which to share the wisdom collected from a life of remarkable achievement. Perhaps the most notable aspect of his memoir is the fact that it combined simple language and personal examples with brilliant, often deceptively complex personal philosophy. The result is a truly “democratic” literary work in that it offers something Continue reading...

Annotated Bibliography on Protestant Ethic and the Enlightenment in America by Benjamin Franklin

Beeman, Richard "Benjamin Franklin and the American Enlightenment” The Intellectual World of Benjamin Franklin. Eds. Dilys Winegrad. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania. 1990. 15-28. Print.
This is a volume of works that consists of essays written by different authors that contributes to the body of knowledge of Benjamin Franklin. The book speaks of the deep philosophical thought of Benjamin Franklin and explains further why the man still holds high appeal in the minds of Americans today. It is a scholarly piece of work where the authors have written personal essays or responses to the overall topic. The article written by Continue reading...

Independence and freedom of the individual helps people to live lives that are free from social expectations. Freedom and independence means that people will not be forced to live in a certain way because they will be allowed to pursue what is important to them. This shows that individual freedom and independence is very essential. Through freedom, people can be supported to do many new things without being told that whatever they are doing is undoable or wrong. They can be supported through the provision of basic requirements such as healthcare and financial requirements.

Independence is very essential to Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography and Other Writings is a very important text in both American History and Literature. Most often heralded as a document produced by, and about, one of the most important of the Founding Fathers, it is also a work that employs several literary devices and introduces many of the values that remain at the center of American culture. In his book, Franklin offers a way to live ones life, which is, interestingly enough, the way he lives his life. The book also has a section entitled, “Franklin The Scientist” which contains a series of letters which Continue reading...

Introduction

In the American History of 1706- 1790, Benjamin Franklin is an honored figure due to his influence of development of United States of America and how the country would understand itself. Benjamin Franklin is the only famous person who is known and recognized for signing all the key documents of creating the United States of America. These documents include the constitution of United States, Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Alliance with France and Treaty of Paris. The major influence of Benjamin Franklin in these documents is well understood and recognized due to his concept development on America and how Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin was an extraordinary thinker who was forward looking and visionary in his concept of education. Most of all he was a firm believer in the independence of the individual and the harnessing of talents to achieve that aim. His suggestions are definitely hugely intriguing and stimulating if they are to be considered for a school curriculum.
His proposals as espoused in the article certainly provide food for thought in many ways and almost read like a modern school’s curriculum and list of activities. Most importantly he assesses the importance of creating a library in the school Continue reading...

Analysis - "Arriving at Perfection"

In Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, an essay, "Arriving at Perfection," details Franklin's dedication to the principles of self-betterment. The text chronicles Franklin's attempts to become a better person by systematically attacking and improving upon 13 designated aspects of human nature. Each week, Franklin would tackle a new virtue, noting his attempts in a book. In this essay, Franklin means to demonstrate the mistake in believing that one can attain true perfection; it will always be out of the reach of mankind. However, in making the attempt, people can make reasonable improvements on themselves and their character.

The impetus for this Continue reading...

This site is about the life of a great American, Benjamin Franklin. It is produced courtesy of the PBS Organization, and it aims at giving the various contributions that the individual made to the modern day America, and why he is so famous. It also aims at showing the inspirational quotes that are believed to have come from the man. The main focus of the site is inspiration. As seen in through the various sections of the site, there is no single part that does not have something that is quite inspiring. It starts with the introduction, making the Continue reading...

Known for his wit and wisdom, Benjamin Franklin worked to improve society whenever he could. There are many examples of this desire to do “good works”; however, three are most prominent. One, he established the lending library as we know it today. Two, using himself as a model, he developed virtues that have become ingrained in American society. Third, although he did not seem particularly religious himself, his philosophy about religion was less about dogma and more about service to community. Doing good works for others was something he did throughout his life; and it began during his childhood.
Continue reading...

If I were to select an historical figure that has had the most vibrant and direct impact on me, it would be Benjamin Franklin. An American inventor, politician, philosopher and innovator, he is a figure whose resolve and imagination I have perpetually admired. He never rested, moving from discipline to discipline in an attempt to master all of them. He held an immense curiosity about the world around him, both in nature and in his fellow man. That type of altruism and sense of exploration is something I have held dear to myself, and hope I can merely come Continue reading...

The Significance of Benjamin Franklin Inventions Benjamin Franklin was an American born in 1706. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States. He played many roles in the country such as statesman, publisher and diplomat. He was also an inventor whose theories form the foundations of the inventions that are used today in the world (Borlongan, 1999). The seven major inventions of Benjamin Franklin are:

The Lightning Rod: Benjamin Franklin heard a lecture on electricity in 1743 that inspired him to begin carrying out electric experiments. In the year 1750, he put forward the theory that Continue reading...

When on January 17, 1706 in Boston in the family of a poor soap-boiler fifteenth child was born no one could imagine that this boy would not only glorify the dynasty of Franklins, but also the entire country, that he would become a world-renowned scholar and one of the founders of the new nation – the United States of America. The boy`s name was Benjamin. His life story is an example for any young person entering the life and seeking to make one's way in life.
An active politician, diplomat, writer, educator, scientist, and inventor About this remarkable man Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790) belongs to the prominent American thinkers and public figures. In him were combined a great scientist-encyclopaedist, a brilliant propagandist of the Enlightenment ideas and active leader of the bourgeois revolution. By decision of the World Peace Council, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Franklin was celebrated all over the world. Scientific and public activity of Franklin is inextricably linked with the war of Independence in 1775 - 1783 years. The largest volume and most famous works of Franklin is "Autobiography» (The Life of Benjamin Franklin written by Himself). It was started by Franklin Continue reading...

English

Benjamin Franklin was born on the 17th of January, 1706. He was also known as The First American” as he was one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. In addition to this, he was also a dominant author and printer as well as a postmaster, politician, statesman, diplomat and most importantly, a civic activist. Franklin had made many discoveries and inventions in the field of science as well. The invention of the lightning rod, Franklin stove and bifocals were some of them. As a civic activist, he had founded and facilitated a university and Philadelphia’ Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin was an exceptional intellectual personality. He went from being a poor uneducated boy, into a very intelligent and wealthy man. This was through his self improvement and determination in life. Franklin was a diplomat, printer, scientist, political philosopher and a writer. Throughout Franklin’s life, he worked on his self improvement so that others would learn from it. He improved his characters by writing the thirteen virtues which helped him in his moral perfection.
Benjamin Franklin was a genuine and a compassionate man who wanted to help other people. He wanted the world to learn from his Continue reading...

Introduction:

Edgar Allen Poe was a great storyteller and one of the most important fiction horror story writers of his age. He was also credited with inventing the detective story when he came out with his Auguste Lupin character that was based in Paris and is rather a forerunner of Sherlock Holmes. In fact three of the classic Dupin cases; ‘The Purloined Letter’, ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’and ‘The Mystery of Marie Roget depict three classic situations which continue to affirm the point that Poe was the father of the detective novel. However this makes us observe the clarity Continue reading...

This essay explores the differences in the views of Henry David Thoreau and Benjamin Franklin with regard to individual or personal freedoms. The views expressed here are derived principally from the specified readings provided in the Coursepack:
1. Henry David Thoreau: On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
2. Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography (selections)
These two men had very different ways of expressing their views and beliefs. I intend to describe their separate approaches to freedom, beginning with Thoreau, then finally to highlight the clear differences between the outlooks and philosophies of Thoreau and Franklin.
In the opening paragraph of Continue reading...

Arguably, every country in the world has significant historical figures, whose activities are attributed liberation, independence, revolutions, as well as war. Others have steered the country into radical political, economic, and social changes. Certainly, these leaders are the basis of the contemporary situations. Some of these historical figures include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson is one of the famous and important personality in the history of United States. Jefferson was a philosopher, American political leader, and essayist. He was the third president of U.S. Jefferson was born on 1743 in Albemarle county Virginia, Continue reading...

American is a superpower thus so many countries look up to it. Any event that happens in America today is watched through a lens by the world be it a third world country or otherwise. The United States is an important superpower and ever since time immemorial, she has been at the forefront of development throughout the world. Most of American historians do not go unnoticed. They created history to reckon with and what has made most policies and shaped most world decisions in today’s world.
Among the historical figures to reckon with are Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 1706 on Boston, Massachusetts. His father was Josiah Franklin, soap maker and candle maker. He attended Boston Latin School and by the age of ten, he completed his education. He started to working for his father at the age of twelve and then joined his brother in selling of printers. He ran away to Philadelphia by the age of seventeen without permission from his elder brother. He started a new life in the town by working in many printing shops within the town. He was a hard working person who tried his best Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin is one of greatest Americans who played very significant role in making of modern United States of America. Benjamin was one of brightest brains of America and is known as first American. Benjamin Franklin was a successful politician, author, diplomat, civic activist, scientist and a statesman. This paper intends to discuss life of Benjamin Franklin and further delves into his autobiography in order to know several other related aspects of his life.
As per the information, provided in his biography, Benjamin was born in a very humble family on 17th January, 1706 in Boston. Benjamin was eighth Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin discusses how he is astounded by the intellectual capacity of the African Americans. In a letter written to the John Waring by Franklin, he claims that his thinking dynamic has progressed after a first-hand experience in a Negro school (Franklin 37). Franklin was surprised by the progression African Americans had made in the schools in that their reading and writing capabilities had grown immensely. Given that most white Americans believed African Americans were savages, which dehumanized them, he was impressed by the level of their intellectual capabilities. In addition, Franklin was also moved by the fact that Continue reading...

George Washington and the Polite Gentleman

Colonization started to take its course as from 1680 to 1750. The main form of immigration was internal-external mainly rising from Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Africa. The states grew very fast with Pennsylvania being the best. In British America areas, the society was divided according to their main job characteristics. They included the farming society of the north, the planters of the south and the urban society of the seaboard commercial towns. In addition, some societies opted to base their love on material things.
The themes portrayed include the theme of population. The immigration process described clearly portrays this Continue reading...

(Name of Student)

John Adams

John Adams is one of the few people who happened to witness the end of the colonial rule in the U.S. He was born in the 1735 and was a direct descendant of Puritan colonists (Liesenfelt, 2012). He studied at Harvard University and he helped draft the Declaration of Independence in 1774 while in the Congress. Adams was the vice president after the declaration of independence. He then later served as the second president. The reason why I have chosen John Adams is that he was involved in the process of a great historical revolution. He Continue reading...

Benjamin Franklin observed his life as a blessing from God. This is concerning the fact that he rose from the life of a poor child to the height of being recognized by the world as one of the key makers of history. It is in this regard that he asserts that he rose from poverty and obscurity to affluence and a state of reputation. (Franklin, B. 1906, pp 34) It is for this reason that he asserts that given a chance to relive his life he would gladly accept the offer. However, being no chance available he opted to Continue reading...

Republicanism and Democracy in the 18th Century

A Book Review
Introduction
Some of us have learned the history of the American Revolution in a way which leads us to think the revolution was inevitable. There were logical forces and circumstances leading to the revolution and like other people in other revolutions the American colonists reached a point where they had no other choice but to revolt. Some of us have learned that the revolution parallels the French Revolution. The author, Gordon S. Wood, takes aim especially at what he describes as the Progressive interpretations of the American Revolution and demonstrates neither the revolution nor the revolution’ Continue reading...

Abstract

The protestant ethic or what is commonly known as the protestant work ethic is a concept used in economics, sociology and history. It largely attributes much of its theory from the works of Max Weber. This ethic basis its arguments upon the emphasis by the Calvinist on the usefulness of hard work, which according to the Calvinist is part of one’s worldly success and calling and a sign of individual salvation (Grossman, 2006, pp.128- 131). Weber’s ethic therefore, is a study of the relationship that occurs between the spirit of Continue reading...

Introduction

During the American Revolution, many women took active part in both the American and British armies. Apart from direct participation, many women also contributed to the revolution indirectly. In the 18th century America, women’s role in the society was limited to the boundary of home as child bearer and home maker. Politics, military activities and even social activities were almost 100% an all-male affair (Brooks 2013). Therefore, it was not easy for women in that era to directly participate in the American Revolution. Still, thousands of women participated.
The American Revolution started when England put in place the Continue reading...