University Of Success Ch 20

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of the little book that was created for self-examination?

To track the progress in maintaining virtues (correct)

To write down thoughts and feelings

To calculate monthly expenses

To record daily activities and events

Which virtue was added to the list due to feedback from a Quaker friend?

Justice

Temperance

Humility (correct)

Sincerity

How did the author adjust his communication style to appear less proud?

By insisting on his opinions strongly

By speaking louder to assert dominance

By reducing his direct contradictions and adopting tentative phrases (correct)

By avoiding conversations altogether

What was the intended frequency for self-examination as established by the author?

Weekly for thirteen weeks in a row Signup and view all the answers

What effect did changing his manner of speaking have on the author's conversations?

Conversations became more pleasant and agreeable Signup and view all the answers

What underlying goal did the author hope to achieve by cultivating virtues like Frugality and Industry?

To accumulate wealth and independence Signup and view all the answers

What did John Dryden convey about habits?

We create our habits, which in turn shape who we are. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor did Horace Mann use to describe habits?

A cable. Signup and view all the answers

According to Samuel Johnson, what is true about the chains of habit?

They may not be felt until they become unbreakable. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about Benjamin Franklin's view on habits?

He recognized the importance of addressing both good and bad habits. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author mention driving as an example of a habit?

To emphasize the necessity of good habits for survival. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about public worship in Franklin's reflection?

Franklin recognized its propriety and utility despite attending infrequently. Signup and view all the answers

What does the excerpt reveal about Franklin's participation in religious activities?

He attended occasionally and valued his minister's friendship. Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict is depicted regarding bad habits?

People feel guilty for their bad habits but feel powerless to change. Signup and view all the answers

What theme is reflected in the quotes regarding habits?

Habits have a profound impact on a person's life and identity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's main critique of the preacher's sermons?

They were focused on polemic arguments and dry doctrines. Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue did the author choose to focus on first in his pursuit of moral perfection?

Temperance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following virtues addresses the management of time and organization?

Order Signup and view all the answers

What does the author mean by 'humility' in his list of virtues?

To imitate Jesus and Socrates. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the author apply in order to master these virtues?

Practice each virtue one at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the nature of moral perfection?

It requires constant vigilance and effort to overcome inclinations. Signup and view all the answers

Which point did the preacher emphasize in his sermon according to the author?

The necessity of attending public worship. Signup and view all the answers

What realization did the author come to regarding habits and moral conduct?

One must actively work to establish good habits. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe the preacher's interpretation of the biblical text?

Focused solely on ritualistic practices. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the virtues listed by the author?

Charity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Benjamin Franklin's Pursuit of Moral Perfection

Benjamin Franklin, despite his unconventional religious views, recognized the value of moral principles and desired to attain moral perfection.
He realized that merely knowing right from wrong was insufficient to prevent committing faults, emphasizing the need to break bad habits and cultivate good ones.
Franklin conceived a system of self-improvement centered on thirteen virtues: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.
He assigned a short precept to each virtue, defining its application in his life.
Franklin devised a method of personal examination, using a small book with a page dedicated to each virtue.
He tracked his daily transgressions against each virtue using black dots on a weekly grid, striving for a clean book after a thirteen-week cycle.
He later transitioned to a more durable ivory-leaved memorandum book with red ink lines and black lead pencil markings for easier erasure.
He realized that his journey towards moral perfection was ongoing and required constant attention, even with occasional interruptions from his busy life.
Franklin initially had twelve virtues but later added Humility after acknowledging his pride as a flaw.
He actively sought to curb his pride by avoiding direct contradiction and overly assertive expressions.
He adopted a more humble approach, prefacing his opinions with phrases like "I conceive," "I apprehend," or "I imagine" to avoid dogmatism.
He believed that this humble approach contributed to his success in influencing public council, despite being a less-than-eloquent speaker.

Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

Benjamin Franklin details his journey towards moral perfection, outlining a methodical approach to breaking bad habits and cultivating virtues.
Franklin acknowledges the difficulty of breaking bad habits, recognizing the power of habit and the allure of inclination over reason.
He breaks down moral perfection into 13 virtues:
- Temperance
- Silence
- Order
- Resolution
- Frugality
- Industry
- Sincerity
- Justice
- Moderation
- Cleanliness
- Tranquility
- Chastity
- Humility
Franklin meticulously planned his self-improvement, creating a system of daily self-examination to track his progress.
He devised a method using a book with a page for each virtue and 7 columns for each day of the week, marking faults with black spots.
Franklin's initial focus was on Temperance, believing it would provide clarity and strength to combat ingrained habits.
He prioritized Silence, recognizing its value for gaining knowledge and avoiding superficial social interaction.
He saw the importance of Order and Resolution, believing they would create time and consistency for his ambitions.
Later, Franklin expanded his list to include Humility, acknowledging a perceived flaw in his manner.
He learned to express his opinions modestly, avoiding dogmatism and using phrases like "I conceive" or "it so appears to me."
This shift in communication style proved successful in gaining acceptance and reducing opposition.
Franklin attributed his influence in public councils, despite being a poor speaker, to his reputation for integrity and his ability to express himself without dogmatism.

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Description

Explore Benjamin Franklin's pursuit of moral perfection through his thirteen virtues. This quiz delves into his self-improvement methods and the significance of each virtue in achieving a moral life. Test your understanding of Franklin's principles and their application in personal growth.