Overview
This lecture closely analyzes the opening paragraphs of Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography, exploring Franklin's motivations for writing and the values reflected in his narrative.
Franklin's Motivations for Writing
- Franklin addresses the autobiography to his son William, partly to share family history William did not know.
- Other family members already knew most stories; William was less acquainted due to time spent with his mother.
- Franklin also writes for future generations, hoping they might replicate his path to success.
- Franklin finds personal pleasure in recollecting his life, likening writing to reliving it.
- He admits to some vanity in writing, openly acknowledging this trait and its potential benefits.
Franklin's Success and Self-Image
- Franklin emphasizes he rose from modest beginnings to wealth, fame, and happiness.
- He attributes his success both to personal effort and to God’s blessing, always including his own actions.
- Franklin presents himself as a model to be imitated, promoting the idea of the "American success story."
- He notes that he would like to relive his life, correcting only his faults, using a "second edition" metaphor from printing.
Vanity and Its Role
- Franklin argues a little vanity can be positive, motivating people to improve and achieve.
- He observes that while people dislike vanity in others, it's often beneficial to both oneself and society.
- Franklin contrasts his views with Puritan beliefs, which saw vanity as sinful and focused on the afterlife.
Franklin vs. Puritan Worldview
- Puritans saw vanity as the root of evil and prioritized following God’s will over worldly success.
- Franklin’s focus is on worldly achievements; he sees practical benefits in moderate vanity.
- He repeatedly credits both his hard work and God, unlike Puritans who give God all credit.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Autobiography — a written account of one’s own life.
- Posterity — future generations, especially within a family.
- Vanity — excessive pride in or admiration of one’s achievements.
- Second Edition — a revised version of a published work correcting previous errors.
- Providence — divine guidance or care, often attributed to God.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the assigned sections of Franklin's Autobiography slowly and carefully.
- Reflect on Franklin's motivations and compare his perspective with the Puritan worldview.
- Prepare to discuss personal interpretations of Franklin’s justifications for writing.