Page 89 - Moms For America

 Benjamin Franklin and Personal Virtue Assessment Portrait of A Man of Virtue Virtue alone is sufficient to make a man Great, Glorious, Happy and Wise. — Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin became an incredibly commendable individual despite humble beginnings. He was the youngest of seventeen, and only received two years of formal schooling, and yet rose above meager circumstances to become a successful printer, inventor, musician and author, not to mention playing an irreplaceable role in the founding of America, and serving as a diplomat. One defining characteristic allowed Benjamin such overwhelming success. One that we can replicate that success in our own daily lives. That characteristic is virtue. Benjamin Franklin endeavored to live a life centered on virtue. He made it his life’s mission to maintain high moral standards, and this fortitude allowed him to accomplish unimaginable things with his life. Virtue played an important role in his accomplishments in three main ways. Firstly, virtue compelled him to better himself. From the beginning of his life and career, Franklin did not wait for a prestigious position to invest in the things that were important to him. At the young age of 12 he began to publish his witty and insightful newspaper articles under the pseudonym “Silence Dogood,” while still bound as a printer’s apprentice under his half brother James. After working for several printers in New England and beyond, he eventually set up his own print shop along with Hugh Meridith at the age of 22, buying out his partner a year later. He also began printing “Poor Richard’s Almanack” at the age of 26, a publication that continued for more than 20 years. His creativity and determination also led him to many inventions and scientific discoveries, including what became known as “The Franklin Stove.” High standards of morality allowed him to build the confidence to persevere under pressure and pursue the goals he set for himself. Next, virtue allowed him to create good relationships. This ability was essential in his small print business, and later his political career. Because of his consistent strength of character he easily won the trust of others. He was entrusted with positions of leadership and responsibility. He served as a commander of militia forces and supervisor of construction while building stockades for defense against the Indians during the French and Indian War. He was also appointed as a diplomat during the Revolutionary War and held multiple elected offices throughout his life. He negotiated treaties with the French and English over the course of 30 years. Finally, Benjamin Franklin left a long legacy of virtue, that endures many years after his death. Though he passed away in 1790, his legacy of wisdom and steadfast service continues today. His life had an immediate impact that outlived him through his Philosophical Society, founded in 1743, and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society in 1790, calling for the end of the greatest evil of his day: slavery. He was, and is, an influential figure in our national history and his wise words and stalwart convictions are a benefit to us all. Benjamin Franklin’s life was a reflection of well used virtue. He decided to make it his mission in life, and the effects of that decision are still positively affecting our world after nearly 300 years. If you would like to practice the kind of virtue Franklin exhibited, you can imitate his habit of daily personal assessment. Each day, Franklin would make a mark on his chart next to the areas he neglected to reflect. Over the years, his improvement was visible as he kept these virtues in mind from day to day. Kids 5: The Valor of Virtue Moms for America ✯ Cottage Kids 5