4.3 Benjamin Franklin and the American Enlightenment
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the American Enlightenment, embodied the ideals of reason, progress, and . His writings, including his autobiography and "," promoted virtues like hard work and thrift, shaping the American Dream.
Franklin's scientific experiments, particularly in electricity, showcased his practical approach to problem-solving. As a Founding Father, he helped shape the nation's identity, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire Americans today.
Franklin's Literary Works
Autobiography and Aphorisms
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- Franklin's autobiography recounts his life story, emphasizing his rise from humble beginnings to success through hard work and determination (self-made man)
- Autobiography serves as a model for the quintessential American success story and establishes the idea of the American Dream
- Aphorisms are concise, memorable statements expressing general truths or principles, often used in Franklin's writing to convey wisdom and moral lessons
- Franklin's aphorisms in "Poor Richard's Almanack" and other works promote virtues such as thrift, industry, and honesty ("Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise")
"Poor Richard's Almanack" and The Way to Wealth
- "Poor Richard's Almanack" was an annual publication produced by Franklin from 1732 to 1758 under the pseudonym "Poor Richard" or "Richard Saunders"
- The almanac featured practical information such as weather forecasts, astronomical data, and calendar events, as well as entertaining stories, poems, and aphorisms
- The Way to Wealth is a collection of adages and advice from "Poor Richard's Almanack," focusing on financial success and frugality
- The work advocates for values such as hard work, saving money, and avoiding debt, reflecting Franklin's belief in personal responsibility and self-reliance
Franklin's Personal Philosophies
Self-made man and Civic Virtue
- The concept of the "self-made man" refers to an individual who achieves success through their own efforts and merits, rather than relying on family wealth or connections
- Franklin embodied this ideal, rising from a modest background to become a successful printer, writer, scientist, and statesman
- Civic virtue emphasizes the importance of citizens actively participating in their community and working for the common good
- Franklin demonstrated civic virtue through his involvement in various public projects, such as establishing libraries, fire departments, and educational institutions (University of Pennsylvania)
Pragmatism and Wit
- is a philosophical approach that emphasizes practical consequences and real-world application over abstract theories or ideals
- Franklin's pragmatism is evident in his focus on practical solutions to problems, such as his inventions (bifocal glasses, lightning rod) and his diplomatic efforts during the American Revolution
- Wit and are literary devices used to convey humor, criticism, or irony, often employed to expose folly or vice
- Franklin's writing frequently showcased his wit and satirical style, as seen in works like "The Ephemera: An Emblem of Human Life" and "Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One"
Franklin's Scientific Contributions and Legacy
Experiments in Electricity
- Franklin conducted extensive experiments with electricity, leading to significant discoveries and inventions in the field
- His famous kite experiment demonstrated the electrical nature of lightning, paving the way for the development of the lightning rod, which protected buildings from lightning strikes
- Franklin's work in electricity also involved the study of positive and negative charges, capacitance, and the concept of electrical grounding
Founding Father and Legacy
- As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Franklin played a crucial role in shaping the nation's early history and identity
- He was a key figure in the American Enlightenment, promoting values such as reason, liberty, and progress
- Franklin's legacy extends beyond his political and scientific achievements, as his life and works continue to inspire and influence American culture and society
- Institutions such as Franklin & Marshall College and the Franklin Institute bear his name, honoring his contributions to education and scientific advancement
Key Terms to Review (18)
Age of Reason: The Age of Reason, also known as the Enlightenment, refers to a period in the 17th and 18th centuries characterized by an emphasis on reason, science, and intellectual exchange. This era valued humanism and individualism, promoting ideas that encouraged critical thinking and skepticism towards traditional authority, especially in religion and governance.
American Philosophical Society: The American Philosophical Society, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States dedicated to promoting knowledge in the sciences and humanities. It served as a meeting place for intellectuals and scholars who exchanged ideas and advancements during the American Enlightenment, playing a key role in fostering scientific inquiry and philosophical discourse.
Anecdote: An anecdote is a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. This literary device is often used to illustrate a point, engage the audience, or provide a personal insight into a larger theme. Anecdotes can serve to make complex ideas more relatable, as they often provide concrete examples that resonate with readers on a personal level.
Aphorism: An aphorism is a concise and memorable expression of a general truth or principle, often using wit or wisdom to convey its message. These pithy statements are designed to provoke thought and reflection, making them particularly effective in literature and philosophical discourse. Aphorisms are often attributed to a specific author or cultural tradition, enhancing their impact by linking them to a broader context of knowledge and insight.
Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes knowledge gained through sensory experience and observation rather than through intuition or abstract reasoning. This way of thinking values experiments and evidence as the foundation for understanding the world. It connects strongly with Enlightenment ideas, where rational thought and scientific inquiry began to take precedence over traditional beliefs, affecting the development of literature during this time.
Epistolary form: Epistolary form is a literary technique that uses letters, diary entries, or other forms of communication to tell a story. This method allows for a personal and intimate glimpse into characters' thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of immediacy and authenticity. It also enables multiple perspectives to emerge, giving readers a layered understanding of events and character motivations.
Human Perfectibility: Human perfectibility refers to the idea that human beings are capable of continuous improvement and can ultimately achieve a state of moral, intellectual, and social perfection. This concept is deeply connected to Enlightenment ideals that emphasize reason, progress, and the inherent potential of individuals to better themselves and society.
Isaac Newton: Isaac Newton was a groundbreaking English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and author whose work laid the foundation for classical mechanics and significantly influenced the scientific revolution. His theories on gravity, motion, and light transformed the way people understood the natural world, aligning with Enlightenment ideals that emphasized reason and empirical evidence.
John Locke: John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher known as the 'Father of Liberalism,' whose ideas about individual rights, government, and the social contract greatly influenced modern political thought and Enlightenment philosophy. His belief in natural rights—life, liberty, and property—formed a foundation for American political philosophy and shaped the Enlightenment's impact on literature and social reforms.
Library Company of Philadelphia: The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and a group of his associates, is one of the oldest lending libraries in the United States. It played a crucial role in promoting the Enlightenment values of knowledge, reason, and civic engagement through its extensive collection of books and resources that encouraged intellectual growth and public discourse.
Poor Richard's Almanack: Poor Richard's Almanack was a yearly publication written by Benjamin Franklin, first published in 1732. This almanac combined practical advice, weather predictions, and moral maxims, serving as a reflection of Franklin's wit and wisdom. It became immensely popular in Colonial America and played a significant role in shaping American culture during the Enlightenment period.
Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application. It emphasizes the connection between thought and action, advocating for ideas to be tested through practical consequences and real-world applications rather than relying solely on abstract principles. This perspective influenced American Enlightenment thinkers, who valued empirical evidence and practical outcomes.
Rationalism: Rationalism is a philosophical belief that emphasizes reason as the primary source of knowledge and truth, suggesting that human beings can understand the world through logical thought rather than relying solely on sensory experience. This approach was central during the Enlightenment, influencing various aspects of literature and thought, where writers and thinkers advocated for reason, scientific inquiry, and individual rights as the foundation for societal progress.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique used to expose and criticize foolishness, corruption, or societal issues through humor, irony, and exaggeration. It often aims to provoke thought and encourage change by highlighting the absurdities in human behavior or institutions, making it an important tool in literature for social commentary. This method not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the realities of their society.
Self-improvement: Self-improvement refers to the conscious effort to enhance one's knowledge, skills, character, and overall well-being through various means such as education, personal development, and reflection. This concept is closely tied to the belief that individuals have the power and responsibility to shape their own lives and destinies, which resonates strongly with Enlightenment ideals of reason, autonomy, and progress.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a seminal work that outlines the life and philosophy of one of America's Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. It reflects the ideals of self-improvement, personal virtue, and Enlightenment thinking, showcasing Franklin's journey from a young printer's apprentice to a prominent statesman and intellectual during a transformative period in American history.
The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that emerged in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, science, and individualism over tradition. This period fostered a spirit of inquiry and skepticism towards established authority, shaping ideas about democracy, human rights, and the role of government, which influenced the development of American thought and identity.
Utility: Utility refers to the quality of being useful, beneficial, or practical, often associated with the ability to fulfill a purpose or meet a need. In the context of the American Enlightenment, utility reflects a growing emphasis on rational thought and empirical evidence, influencing various areas such as science, philosophy, and social reform. This concept was crucial for thinkers like Benjamin Franklin, who believed in applying practical knowledge to improve society and the lives of individuals.