Benjamin Franklin本杰明富兰克林

Franklin’s Contributions to Society
Humanitarian
•American first circulating library •University of Pennsylvania •Philadelphia hospital •Pennsylvania militia
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocentl y and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly. 诚恳。不欺骗人；思想纯洁公正；说话也应诚实。 8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 正直。不做不利他人之事，切勿忘记履行对人有益 的义务而伤害他人。 9. Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting i njuries, so much as you think they deserve. 中庸。勿走极端；受到应有的处罚，应当加以容忍。
Its Content Its Style Its Significance Comments on it Thirteen Virtues
Content
Four parts written at four different times 1st part: 1771; a letter to his son; about 80 pages; his life before the age of 25 2nd part: 1784; his life between the age of 25 and 42; 3rd part: 1788; his social and scientific life; 4th part: 1790; his life between his retirement and death;
Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790)
Portraits
Mezzotint of Franklin, Cochin/St. Aubin, 1777
Portrait of Franklin by David Martin, 1766
His Reputations
The First American The Last Universal Man
Polymath
Businessman
Writer
Printer Scientist
Diplomat
Inventor Philosopher
Model of the American dream
Statesman
American Dream
The American Dream is that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement. … It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position. -----The Epic of America by James T. Adams
Examples
Original: Many strokes fell great oaks. Franklin: Little strokes fell great oaks. Original: The greatest talkers are the least doers. Franklin: Great talkers, little doers.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; p erform without fail what you resolve. 决断。事情当做必做；既做则坚持到底。 5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to oth ers or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. 节俭。花钱须于人于己有益，即不浪费。 6. Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in so mething useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 勤勉。不浪费时间；每时每刻做有用之事，戒除一 切不必要的行动。
“Thirteen Virtues” （13条美德）
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. 节制。食不过饱；饮酒不醉。 2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or y ourself; avoid trifling conversation. 缄默。言则于人于己有益，不作无益闲聊。 3. Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 秩序。各样东西放在一定地方；各项日常事务应有一 定的处理时间。
Enlightenment
For: Freedom, Democracy and Reason Against: Tyranny, Intolerance and Superstition Influence on literature Political purpose: shape the nation’s belief with reasons Forms: Journals, speeches, pamphlets, broadsides, declaration, Aphorisms格言, almanac, letters public and
Questions for understanding
What is the main idea of this selection? Why did he arrange the order of thirteen virtues like this? Can you summarize Franklin’s method for moral perfection? Which one do you think is the most difficult to keep?
(4) a writer
1. Works
《自传》 • The Autobiography • Poor Richard’s Almanac
《格言历书》
An embodiment of the “American Dream”
Literary Works
Poor Richard’s Almanac 《格言历书》 Proverbs Popular for a quarter of a century Expand its literary part to readers The Autobiography 《自传》
Serving god best is to contribute your talent to the people and community
Franklin’s Contributions to Science
A scientist with lots of inventions and a famous experiment (kite, electricity, thunderstorm); first applied the terms “positive” and “negative” to electrical charges. effective street lighting, the “the new Franklin stove, bifocal glassesPrometheus and efficient heating devices. had stolen
I would rather have it said, “he lived useful” than “he died rich”… --Benjamin Franklin
His Life
Born into a poor candle-maker’s family in 1706 Had little formal education Voracious reader and made up for the deficiency of formal education Apprentice of printer at 12 began to publish essays at 16 Went to Philadelphia to make his own fortune at 17 set up himself as an independent printer and publisher
Style of Poor Richard’s Almanac
The change of one or more words to a more graphic word or phrase
The use of a shorter, more concise construction
The Autobiography 《自传》
who fire from heaven.” and give it batenment
Origin: the European Continent Enlightenment is an intellectual revolution, and then its impact found expression in America. Emphasis: rationality rather than tradition, scientific inquiry instead of unquestioning religious dogma representative government in place of monarchy Enlightenment thinkers and writers were devoted to the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality as he natural rights of man.
private
Franklin’s Contributions to the U.S.
a statesman, diplomat ,negotiator He conducted the difficult negotiations with France that brought financial and military support for America in the war He was the only American to sign the four documents that created the United States: • The Declaration of Independence, • The Treaty of Alliance with France, • The Treaty of Peace with England, • The Constitution