Benjamin Franklin would probably be considered an "over achiever" by today's standards. He was an extremely talented, dedicated man; who believed in "brotherly love." Even so, he was a stout politician, who also believed in voicing his opinions and beliefs openly.
Benjamin Franklin: The Early Years
Benjamin Franklin started his writing career as a teenager working as a printer's apprentice to his older brother, James. He could not wait to get his hands on the press. He was a self-taught writer, reader, and was extremely blessed with knowing how to use his hands for building and inventing (despite his poor math skills).
James Franklin had been apprenticed in England, and upon returning to America, opened a printing press. He published, The New England Courant. James was not nice to his younger brother. In fact, he treated him like a servant, rather than a brother. The thought of Ben, an apprentice, printing any writings was appalling to James.
Even so, Ben had a plan. Benjamin Franklin was not the type of boy or man to step aside and keep silent. He followed through on his plans, and in 1722, began publishing "The Silence Dogood" letters.
The letters were supposively written by a "middle-aged" widow. They were comical in some ways, and often made fun of "drunkenness, religious hypocrisy, and the persecution of women." They also included pieces about women's fashion, the ridiculing of Harvard, and "civic improvement."
Franklin wrote a total of 14 letters, and once his brother discovered the author's true identity; he was infuriated. James did not think the young apprentice needed encouragement. Ben decided to run away to Philadelphia in 1723, and he began to look for opportunities to open a printing press.
The Governor of Pennsylvannia offered to help young Franklin realize his dream. Franklin set off to London to gather supplies, only to discover the Governor had lied. After finding work in a printing press and two years in London, Franklin returned to Philadelphia better rounded, careful, and a more moral individual than when he left.
Thirteen Moral Virtues
Upon returning to the colonies, Franklin worked as an accountant, a merchant, and eventually a printer. Once back in the colonies he was determine to commit his life to "civil service," and honoring his thirteen moral values (which appeared in Poor Richard's Almanack):
- Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Drink not to elevation.
- Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversations.
- Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.
- Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
- Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e. waste nothing.
- Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
- Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; if you speak, speak accordingly.
- Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
- Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
- Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
- Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
- Chastity: Rarely use venery for but for health or offspring-never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace and reputation.
- Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
His new view of the world, of himself, and life, set the stage for him to become one of the most controversial writers of his time.
Ben Franklin and "Free Speech"
"Freedom of speech" and, according to Carl Japikse's book Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School, "freedom of the press" is "a nostalgic idea."
The truth is, due to political correctness, and the fear of hurting feelings or causing controversy; the press really has limited freedoms.
However, anyone who has studied Benjamin Franklin, knows he was a very "free speaker," who often crossed the line. Not really to cause controversey, but in order to make those around him consider their actions, and the fact that they were (in many cases) not as civilized as they made themselves out to be.
Ben Franklin: A Sample of Not so Well-Known Writings
Ben Franklin did not write without intent. All of his writings and sayings had a purpose. He often wanted to drive a point home, whether by telling a story or writing a simple sentence.
Here are a few examples of his writings, when they were written, and their purpose (according to Ben).
The Transporting of Rattle Snakes, written 1751, due to the fact that "Great Britain" would not "prevent nor discourage the Importation of Convicts." In this letter, he describes the convicts in the colonies as snakes, who should be transported back to Britain if not put to Death by law.
He also goes on to write how Britain seems to use the colonies as a conveniant escape for their criminals. So, in the end he suggests trading criminals for rattlesnakes. "For the Rattle-Snake gives Warning before he attempts his Mischief; which the Convict does not."
The Striking Sundial, written 1758, describes how to create a gigantic sundial for all to see by using guns, gunpowder, and glasses. Each hour, the number of shots fired will indicate the time. At the end, for those who read the entire article, he makes it clear that this is not serious. Then writes, "Let all such learn that many a private and many a public Project, are like this Striking Dial, great Cost for little Profit."
A Letter To A Royal Academy, written in 1781. This letter focused on "inflammable air" for balloons. Franklin, the silly man that he could be, decided to write the academy in order to suggest creating a perfume for "the Bowels of human Creatures."
In this letter, he purposes finding some sort of drug that will not harm humans, and will cause a more pleasant odor to enter the air when the "natural wind" expels from the body.
These are a few of Franklin's writings, a very few to say the least. He was an exceptional writer for someone so uneducated, and thru his writings he became a voice for many.
Sources:
L. Jesse Lemisch “Introduction” of The Autobiography and Other Writings by Benjamin Franklin, ix (New York: Signet Classics, 1961).
Franklin, Benjamin. Poor Richards Almanack (Mount Vernon, New York: Peter Pauper Press Book).
Carl Japikse, Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School (Columbus, Ohio: Enthea Press, 2003).
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