An Analysis Of Benjamin Franklin's Essay

When Benjamin Franklin wrote this autobiography, he wrote it with the plan for self- improvement. What exactly is self-improvement though? It is the improvement of one’s condition through one’s own efforts. Benjamin Franklin’s plan for this was to acquire each of the thirteen virtues he created for himself, one by one. In the course of this essay, the cause and effect of the virtues, silence/sincerity, frugality/industry, and tranquility. Silence and sincerity are two virtues that work together as one. “Silence: Speak not but what may benefit other or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.” “Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. The basis of these two virtues is just like the rule you …show more content…
“Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” The best way to understand what this is truly saying is to define the more difficult words, such as “trifle” which means something of little importance or value. Another way to word this virtue would be, to be content, composed, and calm. Of course this is going to have an effect on Benjamin Franklin himself and society. This is going to affect himself, because if he acquires this virtue then he will have less frustrations and stress. If he stays calm in frustrating situations and stays composed when trouble occurs, then he will overall be a less stressed man. This of course, will then effect society because if he is a content and composed man, that attitude tends to fall upon the citizens as well. If he were to be frustrated and panicked when situations occurred that same attitude would fall upon the people and just cause for chaos; but if he remains composed it keeps the people calm which makes it easier to control the situation. As you can tell, if Benjamin Franklin is able to remain collected in struggling times, then the society will have a calm and collected attitude as