Virtues Of Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was a key historical figure in the years proceeding, during, and immediately following the American Revolution. Franklin possessed several traits that helped him to achieve the level of greatness that he attained. One of the main traits that Franklin possessed was a strong work ethic. In his autobiography, Franklin quoted his acquaintance, Dr. Baird, as saying, "For the industry of that Franklin is superior to any thing I ever saw of the kind; I see him still at work when I go home from club, and he is at work again before his neighbors are out of bed." During Franklin's employment in England, he noticed that while the other employees would carry one form of paper up the stairs at a time, he would handle two by himself. Franklin did not allow acts of leisure, such as fishing or shooting, to distract him from work he needed done. Even as Franklin enjoyed success, he was not above carrying home the paper he purchased himself with a wheelbarrow. This strong work ethic helped allow Franklin to accomplish the great number of things that he did.

Another aspect of Franklin's personality that had a tremendous effect on the degree of success that he enjoyed was his constant need to better himself. Intellectually speaking, Franklin was always trying to learn more. The autobiography repeatedly states that practically all of Franklin's spare time was engaged in reading. Benjamin Franklin's statement of his "mind being much more improv'd by reading then Keimer's" emphasizes the importance that reading had on his learning. It is also evident that Franklin formed the Junto club so that he could hear new ideas and take different things away from each meeting. Another good example of Franklin trying to better himself is his thirteen week program that he put himself through. Franklin was never satisfied being where he was at and constantly strived to be better. This trait of Franklin's also has connections to his work ethic in that even when he was not "working" technically, he was working towards self-improvement.

One characteristic that had a large impact on Franklin's personality was his strong sense of morals. Franklin's actions directly reflect his desire to be a virtuous person. This becomes evident when Franklin first arrives in Philadelphia and gives his last two rolls to a mother and her son in need, despite his own need and