Ben Franklin: You're so Vain

The most striking aspect of what makes Ben Franklin different from previous Puritan authors is his overwhelming sense of vanity. Ben’s purpose for writing the autobiography was to show his son the model life, his life. He later expands this intent for all of mankind in Part II with the introduction of two highly praiseworthy letters. Ben is the quintessential illustration of the American dream or the self-made man. If anyone is to succeed in life, then he should follow Ben’s example. Ben is concerned with this world, not the next as the Puritans were. Ben also differs from the Puritans because he alludes that God has nothing to do with his ascent. It is only through hard work that he was able to achieve success; for instance, he started when he was a young child by attempting to improve his mind through extensive reading and debate with his friend Collins. Ben does not mention his beliefs on God until much later in the text. He admits that he does not even attend church anymore. As a deist, he believes that God does not directly interfere in the lives of his creation. He is the closest thing in the 18th century to an atheist.

On another note, Ben’s writing style reflects his journalistic tendencies. He is very concise and to the point, but at the same time includes many anecdotes. The Puritans tend to be long-winded while being descriptive.