Understanding Benjamin Franklin &
His Maxims/Aphorisms
How to use this document
This is a HyperDoc to help you explore Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography and the “Sayings of Poor Richard” presented in his satirical almanac. Now that you have an understanding of the Age of Reason and its portrayal in/connection to literature, use the following resources to explore, explain, and apply ideas presented in two of Benjamin Franklin’s works. Remember, any information in a shaded box is background/instruction and does not require a response.
EXPLORE Explore the ideals presented in Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography and “The Sayings of Poor Richard.” While you read, consider the advice that Franklin gives throughout each piece. You will use these two documents to address today’s driving questions: What does it mean to achieve moral perfection and how can one achieve it? What is important for today’s society to consider if it wants to reach the kind of moral perfection suggested by Franklin? |
Read: Excerpt from Franklin’s Autobiography, page 74-79 (linked - download pdf for easier reading) |
Read: “Sayings of Poor Richard,” page 81 (linked - download pdf for easier reading) |
Discover & Review: Franklin's "Thirteen Virtues" |
Optional Extended Viewing: Biography.com Feature |
Optional Extended Reading: Benjamin Franklin Biography |
EXPLAIN Now that you have explored the moral and ideological suggestions of Benjamin Franklin, consider your response to his advice and ideals. In the boxes below, respond to the questions posed. Be sure to respond in a complete, coherent, and well-thought out manner. |
1. Overall Response: In 2-4 sentences, summarize the ideas presented in Benjamin Franklin's "Autobiography." Discuss what you learned from this reading: |
2. Moral Perfection: What do you believe is most important when striving for moral perfection? How would you personally arrive at moral perfection? |
3. Challenge: Do you disagree with any of Franklin's ideals or suggestions? How would you modify Franklin's list to be more in line with your view of moral perfection? |
4. "Sayings of Poor Richard": Which of Franklin's maxims/aphorisms struck you the most? Which is most closely aligned with your own ideals and values? Explain your response. |
APPLY Now that you have explored and explained Benjamin Franklin’s ideals and your reactions to them, consider what modern society needs to do in order to reach moral perfection or what advice you have for today’s individuals. Create your own maxims/aphorisms modeled after Franklin’s “Sayings of Poor Richard.” As an individual, create at least five “sayings” that can serve as advice for modern-day. List them below AND post your sayings to the discussion board on Canvas. Beneath your list (on Canvas), select one of your aphorisms to explain in a detailed paragraph. Finally, read the aphorisms created by your classmates. Select one aphorism posted by another student and discuss (in a detailed response) why you agree with their suggested advice. |
Post your maxims and 1-paragraph explanation here:
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NEXT STEPS
Now that you have explored Benjamin Franklin’s background, views on moral perfection, and advice for his fellow citizens, consider how Franklin’s writing and ideals fit into what you know about the Age of Reason. If Franklin were living and writing in another time (i.e. the Age of Faith), would he have these same points of view? Consider how the time period and political/social climate of the time contributes to Franklin’s thinking and writing.