Torme
How does Ben Franklin view the concept of self-improvement?
He believed that personal growth could be achieved through discipline, education, and moral refinement.
Examples: 13 Virtues, founded Philadelphia Library and the University of Pennsylvania to promote access to knowledge, valued time management and frugality, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise”
What virtue does Ben Franklin say he is lacking?
Daily Single
Ha, I bet I got you for a second, didn't I?
Fools.
Humility
What does Ben Franklin do to help with the creation of the University of PA?
He proposed the idea, he designed a curriculum, organized funding, and secured a building
How does his early career help with his achievements?
His experience gained from working at his brother's print shop gained him access to writing, books, and politics. He was able to begin publishing works and communicate with the public, and his success gained him the wealth needed for his experiments and other public endeavors
What Mose Allison song was I listening to while making this column?
Daily Doubles are fun, lets make this one a Daily Double as well
Who cares? This game means nothing and I have free will.
Your Mind is on Vacation
What was his religious viewpoint?
Deist
Try to name the Paul Anka song I was listening to while making this column
Daily Double because why not
Stop Whining
Times of Your Life (arguably his best one)
What was his contribution to meteorology?
Proved that lightning was a form of electricity (kite experiment, led to the invention of the lightning rod, observed that storms can move opposite to prevailing winds, studied airflow and heat transfer (for his stove), published weather predictions based on patterns and observations.
What is one of his crowning diplomatic achievements (according to himself)?
His successful negotiation of the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778
What role does he talk about playing in the American Revolution?
He wants to be a diplomat and statesman rather than a battlefield figure
What country was he trying to help build relations with?
France (for military and financial support against Brits)
What research does he talk about?
Science and natural philosophy (electricity, heat and ventilation, air and cleanliness, scientific method)
Which personal trait is emphasized as being the most important?
Humility
What colonial institution was he apart of (according to himself)?
The Continental Congress
What newspaper type entity did he use to share his ideas and personal writings?
Daily Double
The Pennsylvania Gazette (Poor Richard's Almanac, The Busy-Body, Silence Dogood, etc.)
What was the main reason for his Junto club that he made?
He made it for mutual self-improvement, wanted to create a space where members could share ideas, debate constructively, and support each other’s growth, encourage virtue and public service
What inventions does he talk about in the autobiography?
The Franklin Stove (the Pennsylvania Fireplace), Improved Street Lighting, Postal System Innovations, Lightning Rod, Bifocals, etc.
How did he view his education as a child?
Limited but formative, he was put in school but later pulled out because of high costs, taught himself a lot, viewed education as a lifelong pursuit, not necessarily bound to a classroom
What is his first job in Pennsylvania when he moves there?
Printer's Assistant to Samuel Keimer
What was his first pseudonym?
Mrs. Silence Dogood
Major accomplishments of Ben Franklin
Discoveries in electricity, US Postal Service, drafting Declaration of Independence, Securing French alliance, establishing the Library Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the University of Pennsylvania
What public services did Ben Franklin help establish in Philly
The Library Company of Philadelphia, Union Fire Company, Street Lighting, Postal Service
What does he believe makes a good citizen?
Personal virtue and moral character (13 virtues), being useful (avoid laziness and contribute to society), civic participation and public service, respect for dialogue and communication, commitment to education
List the 13 Virtues (in order)
1. Temperance
2. Silence
3. Order
4. Resolution
5. Frugality
6. Industry
7. Sincerity
8. Justice
9. Moderation
10. Cleanliness
11. Tranquility
12. Chastity
13. Humility (most challenging and most important)
Why did he write his autobiography?
Originally was meant for his family, to share his life story and lessons, to promote his philosophy of self improvement, to preserve his legacy, to reflect on the founding of America