Benjamin Franklin Reflection

Experiences are like a priceless possession that teaches an individual the value and esoteric essence of his own existence. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an account of Franklin’s life experiences that taught him a deal of self-righteousness, virtue, self-actualization, knowledge and wisdom. Franklin recalls many past, powerful instances of his life that have influenced the ethical and intellectual development. The memoir also represents various events that built his keen interest in literature, linguistic and writing. Moreover, it also unfolds various historical events leading to the American Revolution and independence.
The account opens with franklin addressing to his son about his purpose of writing the autobiography. He felt …show more content…
He also confounded a group named Junto where they often hold the discussion about issues of religious, philosophical and ethical nature. When his business flourished after he got the contract of printing Pennsylvania Gazette and paper money he marries to his lover Miss read. The account is an inconsistent flow of past events that is often interrupted at various instances. In the second half of this memoir, Franklin is motivated to continue writing about his life by the letters of his friends Abel James and Benjamin Vaughan. They told Franklin that how his writing has inspired young minds both intellectually and ethically. One of the important ideas that are reinforced many times in his writing are related to the significance of Junto club. Franklin was an advocate of educational enlightenment. He was deeply concerned about the future of American youths. As he states that it was extremely difficult to obtain a book in colonial America. This was one of the factors which served towards the establishment of Philadelphia’s first library. In third half of the book, Franklin has mentioned about his encounter with two preaches who greatly influenced his religious idea. He also talked about the outbreak of small pox that had the devastating impact in …show more content…
I personally admire his efforts in establishing himself to a state of affluence. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth however his passion towards learning is worthy of approbation. Another thing that stood out to me was his bold confession about his own imperfections. I learned that it is very important to acknowledge and learn from your mistakes and faults. He also presents a list of 13 virtues ensuring moral perfection and self-command. The order of the list is very important and conveys an essential message. I personally feel that he arranges the virtue according to its importance and necessity. I think he really works hard to achieve his goal of moral betterment and satisfaction. He referred it as a “bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” (pg. 76). While reading the second spurt of this memoir I was very perplexed when I felt that perhaps materialism was far more important than religion. This was the reason that left me unconvinced that he never truly affiliated himself with a proper religion. He often argued about various theological doubts and contradictions in Christianity. For me, religion and the ethical framework are always two facets of spirituality which is inseparable therefore somehow it affected my way of comprehending his perspective. As Franklin admitted that he was unable to achieve the perfection but he found contentment