Writings

Born in America, lived 1706-1790. This work has great historical value for the record is accurate and specific. Franklin injected himself into significant events, developed and employed methods and inventions for "public good", and the convenience of others, including readers.

Literature - this is

Show More

writing intended to be read and understood; it is instructive rather than biblical.

Science - Franklin saw and contributed to the sea change of the 18th century. He moved from the "cramped" life of Boston to the young opportunities of Philadelphia. The growing interest in science, influence of liberal writers like John Locke, the rise of learned professions and a merchant class, and radical political ideas made "progress" possible. Franklin became a Self-Improvement guru.

In Politics. His solid merits and unusual tact made him a natural diplomat.

Morals - he kept an almost daily journal of his moral achievements and failures, with a view to continuing to experience "the goodness of that Being" in the hereafter which he enjoyed in this life.

He spent his last years in a position of grreat honor and esteem second only to Washington, and in spite of his own son's loyalties to King George.

Show Less