Benjamin Franklin wrote The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to help not only his son, but all of mankind, also learn to love the concept of self-betterment as he did. In the Second Part of his Autobiography, Franklin outlined 13 virtues for achieving what he called “moral perfection,” among which are Temperance, Sincerity and Moderation. I would like to point out that at this time in America, most authors, would have said the way to moral perfection was to pray, go to church, work and pray. Franklin led the revolution for the American Dream.
Although Franklin does say God blessed him by allowing him to live a good life, he does not blame or praise God for anything that has happened to him. He does not believe he suffered hardships in life because he was disrespectful to his God, nor does he believe he achieved success because he was a “chosen” one. Franklin attributes his success to his work ethic, and thoroughly shows his Deist side. God allowed him to live but then let him be. Franklin wrote that what he made of his life was up to him, not some Higher Power. Perhaps it is appropriate that Franklin is on the one hundred dollar bill, considering he may possibly have been America’s first self-made man.
Although Franklin does say God blessed him by allowing him to live a good life, he does not blame or praise God for anything that has happened to him. He does not believe he suffered hardships in life because he was disrespectful to his God, nor does he believe he achieved success because he was a “chosen” one. Franklin attributes his success to his work ethic, and thoroughly shows his Deist side. God allowed him to live but then let him be. Franklin wrote that what he made of his life was up to him, not some Higher Power. Perhaps it is appropriate that Franklin is on the one hundred dollar bill, considering he may possibly have been America’s first self-made man.
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