Journal 6

Journal #6

From Ben Franklin’s The Autobiography (p. 80 – 83)

Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following questions.

1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection?   What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?

Franklin’s plan for self-perfection was on that was made up of thirteen virtues. He thought that if he could achieve all thirteen then he would be perfect. He decided to take them one at a time because once one was mastered it would be easier to master the next. He created a book to mark down his faults when he did something wrong in a certain virtue. He was not able to achieve perfection because everyone makes mistakes in parts of life. He came to the conclusion that even though he did not become perfect, his attempt still made him a happier and better person. It was effective in a way that allowed him to be happy because he still attempted.

2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person?  Why or why not?  What would be your top five virtues? 

I think that it could improve you as a person if you took it the right way. Nobody can achieve perfection so if you did this and did not get discouraged, it would make you a better person. If you try your best to be perfect it is better than if you did not try at all even if you failed. My top five virtues are order, silence, humility, justice, and sincerity.