Ben FranklinSelections from his Autobiography

Please mark the following passages:• Passage 1:

– Page 59 from “It was about this time…” to Page 60 “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”

• Passage 2:

- Page 64 from “I entered upon the execution…” to “…my little book with me.”

• Passage 3:

-Page 64 from “In truth, I found myself…” to Page 65 “…may follow the example and reap the benefit.”

Please answer the following questions.Passage 1: A. What goal does Franklin set for himself?

B. Is Franklin easily able to control his own thoughts?

C. What must be done in order to attain a “uniform rectitude of conduct”?

*Do you understand each of the virtues? If not, paraphrase them.

Please answer the following questions.

Passage 2: A. According to Franklin, how flawed is he?

B. How does he respond to finding faults in himself?

Please answer the following questions.

Passage 3: A. What virtue did Franklin fail to master?

B. Why was this so difficult for him?

C. How does the imperfect practice of all virtues affect his life?

Did Franklin fail at his attempt towards self-improvement?• Why will we always fail in our attempts to better ourselves?

• New Year’s Resolution stats

• Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

• Psalm 51:10-11

• Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack:

What is an aphorism? Brief, clever statements that make wise observations about life

Journal 6: Choose one of the following and tell a personal story that relates to it.

-He that cannot obey cannot command.

-Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.

-Fish and visitors smell in three days.

-Lost time is never found again.

-A mob’s a monster; heads enough but no brains.

-Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.