Benjamin Franklin and Gilgamesh are two differing leaders with seemingly different leadership qualities. Franklin, known for his intelligence as an author, politician, and inventor, greatly contrasts Gilgamesh’s attributes as a ruling king of Uruk, and a fierce warrior in battle. Though they have their differences in leadership, they are similar in that their leadership still benefits the people. Franklin shows sacrifice while Gilgamesh shows pride, however, both are courageous and have a strong devotion to themselves which eventually changes to a devotion to the people.
Franklin makes sacrifices to better himself. In his autobiography, Franklin refers to a copy of a newspaper he obtained by saying, “I bought it, read it over and over, and …show more content…
For Franklin, after a considerable amount of conflict with his brother and his brother’s newspaper, he decides to leave Boston. “…I found myself in New York, near 300 miles from home, a boy of but 17, without the least recommendation to, or knowledge of, any person in the place, and with very little money in my pocket…”(7). Franklin takes a risk in going to New York without telling his parents. Franklin shows courage in going because he leaves all security that he has at home for new opportunities in New York. Similarly, Gilgamesh takes a risk in killing the Humbaba, despite being advised against killing it. Gilgamesh says in response to Enkidu’s reluctance, “Where is the man who can clamber to heaven? Only the gods live for ever with glorious Shamash, but as for us men, our days are numbered, our occupations are a breath of wind. How is this, already you are afraid”(7)! Gilgamesh has no fear in challenging ferocious beasts such as the Humbaba. In contrast to Enkidu; who fears for their lives if they should embark on this journey, Gilgamesh shows no terror but rather a willingness to die for this cause. Gilgamesh believes because he is a man he will die eventually and thus, he proceeds with life-threatening journeys. Franklin and Gilgamesh exemplify courage through taking risks in their …show more content…
For Franklin, his devotion lies in self-improvement. He states in his autobiography, on the subject of becoming virtuous, “It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish 'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into” (17). To the extent of achieving moral perfection Franklin shows a strong dedication to improving oneself. He admits the task is challenging and even daring but, yet through his adamant tone he shows his perseverance on the matter. Likewise, Gilgamesh shows a self-devotion, but his devotion further reveals his selfish desires. In reference to Enkidu’s death Gilgamesh says, “How can I rest, how can I be at peace? Despair is in my heart. What my brother is now, that shall be when I am dead” (97). This reveals a shift in Gilgamesh’s character. No longer the daring and fearless man but scared and desperate to save himself. Thus, Gilgamesh begins his journey to find everlasting life. Rather than focus on his current responsibilities and duties as a king he turns to selfish needs like achieving immortality. The continuation of the epic follows Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality and shows how he devotes the rest of his life to obtaining it. Gilgamesh and Franklin’s actions reveal a focused and strong dedication to the
Franklin makes sacrifices to better himself. In his autobiography, Franklin refers to a copy of a newspaper he obtained by saying, “I bought it, read it over and over, and …show more content…
For Franklin, after a considerable amount of conflict with his brother and his brother’s newspaper, he decides to leave Boston. “…I found myself in New York, near 300 miles from home, a boy of but 17, without the least recommendation to, or knowledge of, any person in the place, and with very little money in my pocket…”(7). Franklin takes a risk in going to New York without telling his parents. Franklin shows courage in going because he leaves all security that he has at home for new opportunities in New York. Similarly, Gilgamesh takes a risk in killing the Humbaba, despite being advised against killing it. Gilgamesh says in response to Enkidu’s reluctance, “Where is the man who can clamber to heaven? Only the gods live for ever with glorious Shamash, but as for us men, our days are numbered, our occupations are a breath of wind. How is this, already you are afraid”(7)! Gilgamesh has no fear in challenging ferocious beasts such as the Humbaba. In contrast to Enkidu; who fears for their lives if they should embark on this journey, Gilgamesh shows no terror but rather a willingness to die for this cause. Gilgamesh believes because he is a man he will die eventually and thus, he proceeds with life-threatening journeys. Franklin and Gilgamesh exemplify courage through taking risks in their …show more content…
For Franklin, his devotion lies in self-improvement. He states in his autobiography, on the subject of becoming virtuous, “It was about this time I conceived the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish 'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into” (17). To the extent of achieving moral perfection Franklin shows a strong dedication to improving oneself. He admits the task is challenging and even daring but, yet through his adamant tone he shows his perseverance on the matter. Likewise, Gilgamesh shows a self-devotion, but his devotion further reveals his selfish desires. In reference to Enkidu’s death Gilgamesh says, “How can I rest, how can I be at peace? Despair is in my heart. What my brother is now, that shall be when I am dead” (97). This reveals a shift in Gilgamesh’s character. No longer the daring and fearless man but scared and desperate to save himself. Thus, Gilgamesh begins his journey to find everlasting life. Rather than focus on his current responsibilities and duties as a king he turns to selfish needs like achieving immortality. The continuation of the epic follows Gilgamesh’s quest for immortality and shows how he devotes the rest of his life to obtaining it. Gilgamesh and Franklin’s actions reveal a focused and strong dedication to the