Information about the JUNTO
In 1727, Benjamin Franklin formed a club called the JUNTO with some of his “ingenious acquaintance” in Philadelphia. The club provided a space for intellectual discourse and mutual improvement, meeting every Friday evening. The JUNTO’s structure and purpose were guided by rules established by Franklin:
- Regular Discussions: Each member was required to take turns posing queries on topics related to morals, politics, or natural philosophy, fostering engaging debates within the group.
- Essay Presentations: Members were also expected to compose and present essays on any subject of their choosing every three months.
- Emphasis on Truth-Seeking: The JUNTO aimed to cultivate a “sincere spirit of inquiry after truth,” discouraging argumentative tendencies or a desire for victory in debates.
- Civil Discourse: To maintain a harmonious atmosphere and avoid heated arguments, expressions of absolute certainty or direct contradictions were eventually banned, with small fines imposed for violations.
The JUNTO was initially composed of twelve members, including:
- Joseph Breintnal: A scrivener who copied deeds and possessed a passion for poetry. Franklin describes him as good-natured, friendly, and skilled in creating small, intricate objects (“Nicknackeries”)1.
- Thomas Godfrey: A self-taught mathematician, known for his invention of Hadley’s Quadrant. However, Franklin notes that Godfrey’s insistence on “universal precision” in conversations made him a less than ideal companion.
Franklin considered the JUNTO a valuable platform for intellectual growth and the exchange of ideas, and he highlights the club’s benefits in his autobiography:
- Expanding Knowledge: The JUNTO provided members with opportunities to learn from each other’s expertise and perspectives, broadening their understanding of various subjects.
- Improving Communication Skills: The regular discussions and essay presentations helped members hone their abilities in articulating ideas and engaging in reasoned debate.
- Forming a Network: The JUNTO fostered close relationships between members, who often supported each other’s business ventures and public initiatives.2
The JUNTO’s activities extended beyond mere intellectual discussion. Franklin notes an instance where the group’s brainstorming led to practical outcomes. While discussing the establishment of a printing house, members realized that they could procure paper more cheaply as a collective.3 They decided to approach a papermaker, emphasizing their collective industry and early rising habits, ultimately securing a favorable offer for stationery supplies.
The JUNTO’s influence can also be seen in the birth of the North American subscription library. Franklin, with support from his fellow JUNTO members, rallied fifty subscribers to establish a library, which later expanded to a hundred members and received a charter.
The success and longevity of the JUNTO illustrate the power of collaborative learning and intellectual exchange in fostering personal growth, community engagement, and the pursuit of shared goals.