The work of Benjamin Franklin and its impact on American literature

Persuasive Writing Editorial Assignment for Academic American Lit.

By. Owen Dobson

Introduction

Edward Bulwer-Lytton's famous statement, "The pen is mightier than the sword," can be heavily demonstrated in Benjamin Franklin's works (Cardinal Richelieu, Act II, Scene II). Evermore, the work of writing that had the most significant influential impact on American Literature is the autobiographical description of Benjamin Franklin's life which helped define the American lifestyle and morality by providing basic guidelines for contributing to an enlightenment society built on reason and logic and that promoted human progression. This editorial will explore how Franklin's autobiography helped define the American lifestyle and morality by promoting reason, logic, and human progression. The use of his biography highlights the ideal American lifestyle and points and ideas to accomplish it. His idealizations introduced the American Enlightenment and the progressive era, contributing to modern society.

Franklin's Ideals and Moral Perfection

"If you would be perfect, you must change often, Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Edited by Leonard Woods Labaree. Yale University Press, 1964. P. 115.” This quote from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography supports the morals that include that humans are capable of learning and changing. Franklin believed that we can all learn to be better people, even if we are imperfect and self-reflection and accountability are essential for growth. As mentioned in the “Benjamin Franklin's Project for Moral Perfection" by the Bill of Rights Institute (2020) article, "I was surprised to find myself so much fuller of Faults than I had imagined,” Franklin wrote. However, this feeling was soon outweighed by “the Satisfaction of seeing them diminish.”

Franklin's Habit Tracking and Influence

"I entered upon the execution of this plan for self-examination...” This quote from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography shows his twist on self-improvement and the emotional appeal of becoming one's better self; his journey of implication regarding his project for moral perfection. As stated by James Clear (author of Atomic Habits), "Franklin's habit tracking system is one of the most simple and effective ways to improve your life. It's also one of the oldest, dating back to the 18th century." Franklin's system is still just as relevant today as it was when he first developed it. There are many different habit-tracking apps and systems available today, but they all build on the foundation that Franklin laid.

Virtues and Their Impact

"These names of virtues, with their precepts were; one temperance eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation, two silence speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation...Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Edited by Leonard Woods Labaree. Yale University Press, 1964. P. 115.” This quote shows that Benjamin Franklin set even higher standards and expectations for human progression by highlighting 12 virtues (life rules) to live by and hold your heart to, which he would track in his journal to see how often he followed them and thus improved himself upon them.

Conclusion

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography has had a significant impact on American literature and culture. It has helped to define the American lifestyle and morality by promoting reason, logic, and human progression. Franklin's example of self-improvement and his list of virtues have inspired generations of Americans to strive to be better people. His autobiography is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant today. Franklin's autobiography is a powerful example of the power of writing to change the world. His words have inspired generations of Americans to live better lives and to work towards a better society. Franklin's autobiography is a testament to the power of literature to educate, entertain, and inspire.

Works Cited

• Bill of Rights Institute. Benjamin Franklin's Project for Moral Perfection. 2020.
• Clear, James. Atomic Habits. Penguin Random House, 2018.
• Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Prentice Hall literature, 2015.
• Lytton, Bulwer, and Edward George Earle Lytton Lytton. Cardinal Richelieu. Act II, Scene II. 1839.
• Wooden, John. Wooden on Leadership. McGraw-Hill Education, 2010.

Author: Owen Dobson

Student at: Shippensburg Area Senior High School, the Franklin County Career Center, and Harrisburg Area Community College.

Contact: 717-219-8693 | [email protected]