The sources, particularly Franklin’s autobiography, offer a range of morals and philosophies that are applicable to contemporary life. They provide insights into Franklin’s personal journey and the principles that guided his actions and decisions.
- Industry and Frugality: Franklin consistently emphasizes the importance of hard work and thrift as pathways to success and virtue. He attributes his early financial stability and the acquisition of his fortune to these principles. Franklin’s detailed account of his daily schedule, where he allocated specific times for work, study, and leisure, underscores his belief in the value of structured effort.
- Self-Improvement and Education: Franklin’s autobiography is a testament to the power of continuous learning. Despite his limited formal education, he dedicated himself to self-improvement through reading, observation, and engaging in intellectual discussions with like-minded individuals. The formation of the Junto, a club for mutual improvement, exemplifies his commitment to lifelong learning and the exchange of knowledge.
- Moral Perfection and Virtue: Franklin’s “bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” highlights his aspiration to lead a life free from fault. He devised a systematic approach to cultivate virtues such as temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. His method involved focusing on one virtue at a time, tracking his progress, and seeking divine assistance through prayer. Though he acknowledged the difficulty of achieving perfect virtue, the process itself fostered self-awareness and moral growth.
- Pragmatism and Flexibility: Franklin demonstrates a pragmatic approach to life, adapting to circumstances and learning from his mistakes. His willingness to change his mind, as illustrated by his evolving views on Deism and his reconciliation with his brother James, underscores his flexibility and ability to learn from experience.
- Civic Engagement and Public Service: Franklin’s life exemplifies the importance of contributing to the well-being of the community. His involvement in various civic initiatives, such as founding the Library Company of Philadelphia, establishing a fire company, and improving the postal system, highlights his commitment to public service.
- The Power of Kindness: Franklin emphasizes the significance of kindness and its potential to transform relationships. He recounts how offering assistance to a political opponent, even without expecting anything in return, led to a lasting friendship.
These morals and philosophies from Franklin’s autobiography remain relevant today. His emphasis on self-reliance, continuous learning, and ethical conduct offers valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of modern life and striving for personal fulfillment while contributing to the betterment of society.