Compare And Contrast Marcus Aurelius And Benjamin Franklin

Thesis: In his autobiography, Franklin is undoubtedly concerned with developing virtue and self-improvement, but relies on others as the primary frame of reference for his own progress, always measuring himself with others. This habit of comparison results in the development of vices as well as virtues.

The affliction of vanity appears regularly throughout both pieces of work by Franklin and Woolman. The two men seem to be hampered by this vice of pride and wishing to possess humility. Benjamin Franklin addresses this burden of appearing vain as an issue and aims to improve himself with his constituted principles. He lists “Humility” as his last virtue he aspires to develop so as to “Imitate Jesus and Socrates” (Franklin, 79). How ironic of Franklin to want to be humble, yet strive for moral perfection! Franklin so much as prides himself on this list of virtues that heavily influences his life. However, he accordingly considers pride to be one of the most difficult to overcome considering one can “disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then peep out and show itself...” (Franklin,

As a fellow individual, I have read both autobiographies of Mary Rowlandson and Benjamin Franklin. Both of their works were very distinctive from one another and shared parts of their life. However, there were several cracks and crannies, or differences in their memoirs. A belief of mine always said, “Don’t discriminate, let’s procreate!” In other words, each and every person has their own story to tell, have an open mind and hear each other out. As I can imagine, blasting into the past from the 16th century to the 17th century, was a whole another time and era, which can be a challenge for a 90’s kids like me. Nonetheless, I digress, I will try my very hardest to share what the critics and spectators say about their works. Hopefully, you will be enlightened and turn the other cheek.

In these speeches that both great minds gave there is some things that are alike then there's some differences . Some likes and differences are obvious and others are really hard to figure out. For some who have trouble paying attention, listening to the speeches it’s harder for them and for those who can listen to it over and over again and still understand it , it's easy for them. Then there's those who try to pay attention because they are important to the history of Americans, but just can't pay attention so they are a little of both problems.

In addition, Benjamin was a hardworking man. There were thirteen names of virtues that he considered. These virtues show how Benjamin Franklin was a hardworking man. Some of them are temperance, frugality, and industry. “Temperance means eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation” (pg.95). This quote shows that Benjamin Franklin was a hardworking man because he never got drunk

Despite the differences between Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass, they do share a variety of similar qualities. Franklin and Douglass are two writers who have derivative chronology of events in their life narratives. Both of their autobiographies had to do with their life events and why hardship eventually brought them to success. The similarity that stood out to me between the two was that they both represent the “very poor to very rich” idea and both were self-made men. Clearly, Douglass lived a much more difficult life but Franklin was not too far behind.

First I will discuss how both Franklin and Jefferson both were an example of good morality. Franklin writes about his List of Virtues in The Autobiography. I will discuss some of the virtues from his list that he felt are most important. According to Benjamin Franklin frugality was of the utmost importance. He firmly believed that just because one had wealth did not mean that they should be eccentric in their purchases. He himself was a frugal man. Franklin writes “…our table was plain and simple, our furniture of the cheapest” (299). He uses himself as an example for the people, if he can live with the cheapest of possessions then others can as well. I think this may be why he assumed the alias as

The third trait these two men exhibited was these men persistent in what they believed in. They both believed in Justice. This in fact was one of Franklin’s virtues. “Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty...”(93). In other words he was saying that you should never do bad to others no matter the case. This may have been Benjamin’s strongest trait because he was a stubborn man. He was a firm believer in treating everyone fair. Frederick had the same trait where he thought treating people unfairly (especially black/slaves/women) was injustice to humanity. He did fight against these barbaric judicial powers and fought for civil rights. Frederick was also stubborn as well. For the rest of these men's’ lives they did live with these traits and are well known now a days for them.

John Winthrop and Benjamin Franklin both played pivotal roles in their structuring government, yet were very different in their philosophical views. Winthrop, a Puritan, founded his ideals based on a firm belief in one almighty God. Whereas Franklin, also a believer in a supreme being, founded his ideals on a more scientific ideal. Both men had different visions of government along with a different view of humanity.

Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson propose certain principles for the conduct of life. Franklin is very clear in his proposed principles for life, as he clearly states them in his “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”. One of his main principles is the concept of hard work. Franklin believes that the best way to succeed in life is to work hard. Hard work is a key element in how to conduct one’s life. Franklin also touches on the idea that religion allows people to live in good conduct in their lives, as it gives people good values they must uphold. This also contributes to the principle that he believes in, which

Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreau have been thought of as two powerful philosophers in history. Both men were alive centuries ago, but their unique ways of life and ideas still exist in some of history’s most admirable figures. Each man had a judgment that went beyond the era they existed in, but is still obvious in today’s culture. Even though both men are credited for their wise principles, their beliefs do not always coincide with one another. However, one thing they do have in common is that they both revolutionized America through their thoughts, actions, and distinctive opinions on how to improve the world around them.

My lineage is complicated and blended with multiple different cultures and origins. On my maternal side, the surname from my grandfather it O’Toole which derives from Ireland and my grandmother Wells, which comes from Great Britain. Replicated on my paternal side, I have both roots from Ireland and England. Although these two countries are a powerful force in my lineage, my ancestors also have come from Pakistan, Germany, and most recently Eastern Canada. The matrilineage of my family is much easier to track and I feel as if that side of my ancestry has more history than the others may hold.

It is easy to see Benjamin Franklin was no doubt an archetypal American. No one since him has ever had the same amount of success as him. He was a private businessman who made enough money to retire early and to spend the rest of his life in politics. Around this time period only the rich were able to retire early. He was industrious. Franklin continually put forth the idea of the industrious American. He had support from the middle-class who did not care if he was rich but he was a man who was self-made and worked hard. This American attitude was formed early and most of it by him. Franklin was also not judgmental came to decisions and conclusions as a businessman and politician. However, his attitude was non-judgmental with respect to a

Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography is an inspiring tale of his personal, as well as public achievement throughout his life. Franklin’s life embodies the exemplary model of a life composed of discipline, self-reliance and self improvement. From his humble beginnings as an apprentice candle and soap maker in his father’s business to a successful business man, author, philosopher, civil activist, politician scientist, inventor, and diplomat, above all Benjamin Franklin was, and still is, an American Icon and truly a pioneer of the American Dream.

It is ironic how two men were both born during the same time period, in the same area, and had many similar ideas on one’s behavior, beliefs in God, and impacts on society; and they didn’t even know who they other person was! Both Ben Franklin and Jonathan Edwards were born in the eighteenth century, within three years of each other. They were both contemporaries and took time to write about themselves or their outlooks on life. They felt it was important to contribute to society and to share their ideas with others. Ben Franklin and Jonathan Edwards were similar and different in many ways, including their attitudes or perspectives on moral perfection, their beliefs in God, and their impacts on society throughout their life.