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Questions and Answers
How does Franklin begin his project to achieve moral perfection?
How does Franklin begin his project to achieve moral perfection?
He compiles thirteen virtues.
Which virtue is most difficult for Franklin to master?
Which virtue is most difficult for Franklin to master?
Order.
Why does Franklin devote a week to each virtue?
Why does Franklin devote a week to each virtue?
He thinks that if he can strengthen one virtue through strict attention, he can retain that strength when he works on the rest.
What quality does Franklin suggest he possessed when he thought it would be possible to become perfect?
What quality does Franklin suggest he possessed when he thought it would be possible to become perfect?
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What does the list of virtues that Franklin draws up suggest about him?
What does the list of virtues that Franklin draws up suggest about him?
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Based on his daily scheme, what can be assumed Franklin most valued?
Based on his daily scheme, what can be assumed Franklin most valued?
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What action does Franklin's garden comparison illustrate?
What action does Franklin's garden comparison illustrate?
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What insight does Franklin's autobiography provide compared to other books about him?
What insight does Franklin's autobiography provide compared to other books about him?
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What gives the most information about Franklin's times?
What gives the most information about Franklin's times?
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What did Franklin mean when he called his project arduous?
What did Franklin mean when he called his project arduous?
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What does Franklin refer to when he speaks about the felicity of his life?
What does Franklin refer to when he speaks about the felicity of his life?
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According to Franklin, which virtue relates to avarice?
According to Franklin, which virtue relates to avarice?
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What does the phrase 'A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over' refer to?
What does the phrase 'A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over' refer to?
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What does the aphorism 'If your head is made of wax, don't walk in the sun' suggest?
What does the aphorism 'If your head is made of wax, don't walk in the sun' suggest?
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What virtue does 'Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today' represent?
What virtue does 'Have you somewhat to do tomorrow, do it today' represent?
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What does 'Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead' suggest?
What does 'Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead' suggest?
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What does 'Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee' imply?
What does 'Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee' imply?
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What does 'Haste makes waste' refer to?
What does 'Haste makes waste' refer to?
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What does 'A good example is the best sermon' signify?
What does 'A good example is the best sermon' signify?
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What does 'Well done is better than well said' emphasize?
What does 'Well done is better than well said' emphasize?
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What does 'No pains without gains' suggest?
What does 'No pains without gains' suggest?
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What does 'An open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended foe is worse' refer to?
What does 'An open foe may prove a curse; but a pretended foe is worse' refer to?
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What does the aphorism 'Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of' imply?
What does the aphorism 'Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff life is made of' imply?
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What does 'Love your neighbor; yet don't pull down your hedge' suggest?
What does 'Love your neighbor; yet don't pull down your hedge' suggest?
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What does 'Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise' represent?
What does 'Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise' represent?
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What elements of Franklin's autobiography suggest it was written at the dawn of American independence?
What elements of Franklin's autobiography suggest it was written at the dawn of American independence?
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What was Franklin's attitude toward moral perfection?
What was Franklin's attitude toward moral perfection?
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What were Franklin's first steps in his plan to reach perfection?
What were Franklin's first steps in his plan to reach perfection?
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What did Franklin say kept him from becoming a better person?
What did Franklin say kept him from becoming a better person?
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Why does Franklin assign a week to each virtue he is trying to achieve?
Why does Franklin assign a week to each virtue he is trying to achieve?
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What does Franklin's moral improvement plan suggest about his self-perception?
What does Franklin's moral improvement plan suggest about his self-perception?
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What effect does Franklin hope to achieve by concentrating on improving one virtue at a time?
What effect does Franklin hope to achieve by concentrating on improving one virtue at a time?
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Which word is closest in meaning to avarice?
Which word is closest in meaning to avarice?
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What did Franklin observe about his behavior?
What did Franklin observe about his behavior?
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What is necessary for Ben's virtues?
What is necessary for Ben's virtues?
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Which of the following details gives the most information about Franklin's times?
Which of the following details gives the most information about Franklin's times?
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What does Franklin believe regarding moving on to the next virtue?
What does Franklin believe regarding moving on to the next virtue?
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Who were the two people that Benjamin Franklin imitated during his life?
Who were the two people that Benjamin Franklin imitated during his life?
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What is Franklin's reasoning for the order in which he ranks the virtues?
What is Franklin's reasoning for the order in which he ranks the virtues?
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What is necessary for Ben's virtues?
What is necessary for Ben's virtues?
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Study Notes
Franklin's Project for Moral Perfection
- Franklin compiles thirteen virtues as part of his plan to achieve moral perfection.
- He dedicates a week to mastering each virtue, believing that strength in one will aid in others.
- He considers the journey toward perfection more significant than the destination, reflecting a growth mindset.
Franklin’s Virtues
- The most challenging virtue for Franklin is identified as Order.
- Key virtues include Temperance (moderation in food and drink) and Industry (diligent and productive use of time).
- Franklin's aphorisms emphasize practical wisdom, such as "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
Insights into Franklin’s Character
- Franklin was logical and orderly, as evidenced by his structured approach to virtues.
- He possessed self-confidence, believing in the possibility of achieving moral perfection despite challenges.
- He tracked his progress daily to maintain vigilance over his actions and improve self-discipline.
Franklin's Autobiography Elements
- The autobiography provides deep insights into Franklin's personality, revealing his flaws and ambitions.
- Key stories, such as the tale of the speckled ax, offer reflections on his view of human nature and societal norms.
- Franklin's work is regarded as an autobiography since he is both the subject and author of the narrative.
Historical Context and Legacy
- Written during the early period of American independence, Franklin's autobiography reflects emerging American values.
- He was a notable figure in politics and science, credited as a "father of his country."
- Franklin's contributions include invention, public service, and literature, such as "Poor Richard's Almanack," which contained wisdom and guidance for self-improvement.
Virtues Defined
- Franklin’s thirteen virtues: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Tranquility, Cleanliness, Chastity, Humility.
- Each virtue is designed to promote personal and social betterment, stressing the importance of moral character.
Application of Virtues
- Franklin believed mastering one virtue at a time led to a more substantial moral foundation.
- His attitude toward perfection illustrates a confident and proactive approach to personal growth.
- Franklin’s reflections on relationships highlight the value of loyalty and integrity in friendships.
Reflection on Human Nature
- His aphorisms, such as "Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead," suggest a pragmatic understanding of human tendencies.
- Franklin viewed the need for self-improvement as a universal pursuit, indicative of the moral struggles of the time.
Summary of Franklin's Philosophy
- Hard work, dedication, and ingenuity serve as cornerstones of Franklin’s philosophy.
- He embodies a self-made man narrative, striving for and espousing the values of improvement and enlightenment.
- The belief in moral perfection reflects broader themes of personal agency and responsibility prevalent during his lifetime.
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Description
Explore Benjamin Franklin's project for moral perfection through his thirteen virtues. This quiz examines key concepts including the importance of order, the challenges of temperance, and Franklin's practical wisdom. Test your understanding of his philosophy and personal growth mindset.
