From “The Autobiography” by Benjamin Franklin

Margin Questions

  1. Critical Viewing: In the painting, you may note discipline in the worshipper’s attention, their head coverings, the separation of the sexes, and their row seats. Similarly, in the autobiography, you may note that Franklin shows discipline in his use of the little book and of daily schedules.
  2. It suggests that people of the time period valued hard work and moral behavior very highly.
  3. He makes a list to clarify his definitions of the virtues.
  4. He is dedicated to his plan and wants to do everything he can to ensure its success.
  5. It suggests that he does not like to waste time and that he has a disciplined and purposeful way of living.
  6. He hoped to achieve the virtue of Order by planning the day’s activities.
  7. The expression suggests that Franklin is a calm, confident, and serious individual.
  8. The anecdote reveals that Franklin understands that some of his goals are unrealistic.
  9. Franklin considered his plan generally successful in that it led to moral improvements and to his overall happiness. He acknowledges, however, that it did not lead to moral perfection.
  10. You may speculate that Philomath means “a love of learning,”since the Greek prefix philo means “love” and mathe means “learning.”
  1. You might mention these aphorisms: “Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today;” “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that’s the stuff life is made of;” and “Haste makes waste.”

Review and Assess Questions page 148; 1-7

  1. Temperance, or moderation, seems to be the most important virtue because it governs one’s approach to all other virtues.
  2. a) He makes a daily calendar with tasks and times outlined. b) He does not succeed, finding that sometimes he must order tasks around others’ and that he cannot change his own habit of relying on memory. c) It illustrates the overwhelming effort involved in the struggle for order, as well as its likely impossibility.
  3. a) He probably felt very determined and optimistic.

b) As he gets older, Franklin learns the difficulty of attaining moral perfection, but he also realizes that the effort is more important than the goal. c) Perfection is probably unreasonable, but the desire to work hard to improve oneself is not.

  1. a) The following aphorisms concern friendship: “An open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended foe is worse;” “Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing;” and “A true friend is the best possession.” b) Yes, he says that friendship is precious and needs care.
  2. a) He will die of fasting. b) If hope keeps people from taking action, it can be highly impractical and ultimately dangerous. c) He might suggest effort or planning.
  3. It can highlight counterproductive behavior for change.
  4. a) Most express timeless values. b) You should support your answer with reasons. c) Again, support your answers with reasons.