Throughout Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, it is clearly evident that it is his utmost concern to be in good standing with the people surrounding him. It is interesting to see how throughout his work, not only does he write about his ambition to make sure his colleagues and friends see him as upstanding, but he also attempts to persuade the reader to look up to him by constantly edifying himself. Many times, Franklin will nonchalantly make references to his own greatness by using accolades incorporated into his anecdotes. Although it is generally subtle, it occurs often enough so that the reader cannot simply disregard it.
As I was reading through part three, I began to highlight every statement that was carefully contrived to better Franklin's reputation. Eventually, I began to highlight almost two statements within ever page. His creation of the sect that would only select the few upstanding and morally consummate citizens (which of course included himself) was almost painfully self-righteous. When speaking of the "young gentleman's" failed attempt to run against and replace him as clerk of the Assembly, he blatantly states that he was "chosen again unanimously as usual." When it came to the decision to choose a representative for the hall that was built to house speakers of all persuasions, he states that he was chosen, "with the observation that I was merely an honest man."
Often times, Franklin will speak of all of these "intimate" friendships he had with so many respected and famous people. How many "cordial and affectionate" friendships can one have over the course of his lifetime? Franklin, again, seems to be trying to woo the crowd's admiration by attempting to gain popularity by association. He will many times drop in statements such as, "Mine happened to be prefered..." which is trying to indirectly lure the readers into seeing him as infallible in his decisions.
What I see this all boiling down to is Franklin's need of confirmation and reassurance from others in order to gain any self esteem. It seems as if he cannot be content with himself unless all his friends and acquaintances (even his enemies) see him as just and upright. Although Franklin is unequaled in his role as an American, it would have been prudent for him to be confident in who he was rather than looking to others for approval. Humility is a virtue that is difficult to attain, but once achieved, produces more respect from others than any other means.
1 comment:
I agree with Matthew, Franklin's tone in his writing often comes across as self righteous and haughty.
"An ironmonger in London however, assuming a good deal of my pamphlet, and working it up into his own, and making some small changes in the machine, which rather hurt its operation, got a patent for it there, and made, as I was told, a little fortune by it. And this is not the only instance of patents taken out for my inventions by others, tho' not always with the same success, which I never contested, as having no desire of profiting by patents myself, and hating disputes. The use of these fireplaces in very many houses, both of this and the neighbouring colonies, has been, and is, a great saving of wood to the inhabitants."
First, Franklin speaks of his invention as if everyone wants to steal it because it is such a genius idea. Of course house warming is very important, but the tone when he mentioned that others were making a profit off HIS invention sounded haughty. It was as if he needed to reiterate that it was originally his idea.
Also, when Franklin says that the ironmonger changed the invention a little, which ended up making it worse, he sounded completely conceited. That implied it was already perfect because he created it, and any addition would simply worsen it because it was done by someone else.
Overall, I agree Franklin did many amazing things, but there is no denying he sometimes had a tendacy to sound haughty and self righteous, like nobody else could compare to his genius ideas.
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