Ben franklin autobiography aphorisms meaning
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He espouses Deism, the "religion" that says that while God created the earth and everything on it, he then set it all in motion according to natural laws and stepped back, allowing it to function on its own (imagining God as a clockmaker is a good way to think about it). He sees this work as a place in which he can identify his errata, explain how he rectified them, and offer advice for his readers about avoiding similar situations in their own lives.
Here Franklin explains in his usual rational and plain fashion his methodical, systematic approach to the virtues. Second, it is, to use common parlance, a sort of "humble-brag." Franklin is worthy of everything Vaughn says, but it is still amusing that Franklin includes this letter. Its author is now one to emulate: the ideal, archetypal self-made man.
It was the third. For instance:
- "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
- "Fish and visitors stink in three days."
These humorous sayings not only entertained readers but also conveyed practical advice about discretion and hospitality.
Observation and Experience
Franklin's proverbs were rooted in his keen observations of human behavior and his own life experiences.
They promoted the virtues of hard work, self-reliance, frugality, and honesty, which became central to the American ethos. Many of his proverbs emphasize virtues such as hard work, frugality, honesty, and perseverance. In modern contexts, it is often invoked to emphasize productivity and efficiency in business and personal endeavors.
"Well done is better than well said."
This proverb highlights the importance of actions over words.
Born in 1706 in Boston, Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children. It also demonstrates his respect for his father and how he values his father’s opinion and advice: In the face of his father’s ridicule, Franklin decides to pursue a more profitable career.
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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Quotes
“[I retained] only the Habit of expressing my self in Terms of modest Diffidence, never using when I advance any thing that may possibly be disputed, the Words 'Certainly, 'undoubtedly', or any others that I give the Air of Positiveness to an Opinion; but rather say 'I conceive', or 'I apprehend a Thing to be so or so', 'It appears to me', or 'I should think it so or so for such & such Reasons', or 'I imagine' it to be so or so, or 'it is so' if I am not mistaken.—This Habit I believe has been of great Advantage to me, when I have had occasion to inculcate my Opinions and persuade Men into Measures that I have been from time to time engag'd in promoting.—And as the chief Ends of Conversation are to inform, or to be informed, to please or to persuade, I wish well meaning sensible Men would not lessen their Power of doing Good by a Positive assuming Manner that seldom fails to disgust, tends to create Opposition, and to defeat every one of those purposes for which Speech was given to us, to wit, giving or receiving Information or Pleasure: For if you would inform, a positive dogmatical Manner in advancing your Sentiments, may provoke Contradiction & prevent a candid Attention.”
― Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
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I saw the justice of his remark, and thence grew more attentive to the manner in writing, and determined to endeavor at improvement. Various editions.
Brands, H.W. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. His concise and memorable sayings continue to be relevant today, offering timeless lessons on hard work, frugality, honesty, and the value of time. From his earliest days Franklin sees writing as key to his future.
He values rationality and reasonableness above all. The French and Indian War vexes the colonists for many reasons: they don't necessarily see it as their fight, they are worried about their settlements on the frontier, and they are annoyed at being treated rudely by British troops that, as Franklin says, do not seem all that impressive when viewed in situ.
But my Father discourag’d me, by ridiculing my performances, and telling me Verse-makers were generally Beggars; so I escap’d being a Poet, most probably a very bad one.”
(Part 1, Page 19)
Here, Franklin discusses how he felt when he published two poems for the first time, indicating a love for writing but also a desire to earn money.
He commits himself fully to his endeavors, even if the work that is required is arduous and/or monotonous. The almanac was an annual publication that included a mix of weather forecasts, practical advice, humor, and proverbs. I had never before seen any of them.