Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson shared very similar ideas in regard to human behavior, yet these two men believed in opposing outcomes that derived from following these relatively similar life styles. Emerson and Franklin both believed that by controlling one's desire and impulsive nature, one could vastly improve themselves as well as their own purpose in society. That discipline and thoughtfulness were cornerstones to a productive life. Their results, however, at times contrast greatly. Ralph Waldo Emerson worked to better himself through the discovery of knowledge while Benjamin Franklin worked to better himself through improving his image and his money making ability. Emerson and Franklin also contrast on various other fundamental
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Where Franklin counseled prudence and moral circumspection, not unlike an old world uncle, Emerson proclaimed the ecstatic universe and intimidated that the undisclosed American self was especially well-placed to lead the celebration." Benjamin Franklin believed that through self restraint and the development of one's temperament anyone can achieve a successful life. Self improvement, or self help as nowadays it is referred to- Franklin was a forefather of. The process of self help that
Franklin describes involves cataloging all of the detestable habits an individual performs during a period of time and gradually working on reducing each of them to the point where they're almost non existent. Self awareness, Franklin believed, would allow people a window in which they could see themselves clearly, self assess and make changes. Franklin notes however, that it’s nearly impossible to achieve perfection, and he suggests “a speckled axe is best”. Franklin also believed if he were perfect, he would have had the inconveniences that are born from other people's envy and hatred. …show more content…
Facts that become revealed to them though readings and study.
Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson also possessed contrasting views regarding religion and the church. While both Emerson and Franklin rejected the actual institution of the church, Franklin considered himself a deist and believed that God had no control over our lives and decisions. Emerson believed in an omnipotent and omnipresent God, meaning that God is everywhere and all knowing, still not condoning that they’re all powerful. Emerson also believed it unnecessary for people to attend a
Palmer 4 formal congregation, believing that if Gods all knowing then it should not matter where one is, as long as they pray and give thanks to God. Neither Franklin or Emerson attended church regularly later in life; Franklin was forced to attend during childhood and found it unpleasing, and Emerson fundamentally disagreed with many of the beliefs of the church.
Both of these men, Franklin and Emerson, agreed it was their obligation to share the information they had garnered with the world. Their wish was to inspire all
Where Franklin counseled prudence and moral circumspection, not unlike an old world uncle, Emerson proclaimed the ecstatic universe and intimidated that the undisclosed American self was especially well-placed to lead the celebration." Benjamin Franklin believed that through self restraint and the development of one's temperament anyone can achieve a successful life. Self improvement, or self help as nowadays it is referred to- Franklin was a forefather of. The process of self help that
Franklin describes involves cataloging all of the detestable habits an individual performs during a period of time and gradually working on reducing each of them to the point where they're almost non existent. Self awareness, Franklin believed, would allow people a window in which they could see themselves clearly, self assess and make changes. Franklin notes however, that it’s nearly impossible to achieve perfection, and he suggests “a speckled axe is best”. Franklin also believed if he were perfect, he would have had the inconveniences that are born from other people's envy and hatred. …show more content…
Facts that become revealed to them though readings and study.
Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson also possessed contrasting views regarding religion and the church. While both Emerson and Franklin rejected the actual institution of the church, Franklin considered himself a deist and believed that God had no control over our lives and decisions. Emerson believed in an omnipotent and omnipresent God, meaning that God is everywhere and all knowing, still not condoning that they’re all powerful. Emerson also believed it unnecessary for people to attend a
Palmer 4 formal congregation, believing that if Gods all knowing then it should not matter where one is, as long as they pray and give thanks to God. Neither Franklin or Emerson attended church regularly later in life; Franklin was forced to attend during childhood and found it unpleasing, and Emerson fundamentally disagreed with many of the beliefs of the church.
Both of these men, Franklin and Emerson, agreed it was their obligation to share the information they had garnered with the world. Their wish was to inspire all