The Rhetoric of Benjamin Franklin's Technology
Benjamin Franklin led a full life (see timeline). George Washington wrote in a letter to Franklin, "If to be venerated for benevolence—if to be admired for talent—if to be esteemed for patriotism—if to be beloved for philanthropy can gratify the human mind, you must have the pleasing consolation to know that you have not lived in vain . . ."1,2 Franklin was a successful business person, a political leader and statesman, a community leader, a national leader, a scientist and an inventor, a philosopher, a writer, and publisher.1-5 His accomplishments led him to the status of hero in the nation and to international celebrity. He's been called "The first American" and the "first citizen of the 18th century.2" As much as his accomplishments would bring him personal fame and wealth, his interest was always in self-improvement of the individual and one's ability to "do good." This perspective would impact American culture and shape American identity. It was part of his inventions, his civic actions, and his work as a printer. From his years as a successful printer in Philadelphia to the posthumous publishing of his autobiography in 1791, Franklin would shape America and the character of the middle-class American through his technology.
No gains without pains.—Ben Franklin
The strength of Franklin's inventions was in their usefulness to society. Many of his inventions came out of necessity or the desire for improvement of existing social processes, procedures, or methods. For example, he invented the Franklin stove, which offered a better way of heating rooms and produced less smoke than the fireplace.6-8
His greatest and most celebrated achievement was his work in electricity. Dr. Whitfield J. Bell, Jr, of the American Philosophical Society, said the following regarding Franklin's scientific accomplishments in the field of electricity in a Biography.com video on Franklin: "What he did as an experimenter in electricity was to establish the laws by which electricity operates, how to store electricity, how to use it. . . . This achievement was the subject/object of one of the great epigrams of history: 'He snatched lightening from the skies and scepters from the hands of the tyrants'" (Biography.com, starting around 14:25). This comment suggests that Franklin's scientific inventions were beneficial to the common people in their daily lives as well as in their struggle for political independence.6 Whitfield also suggests, in the video, that Franklin's work in electricity would give him international celebrity status and he would represent the nation in France in preparation for the coming war with England as the best-known American in Europe.6
Franklin used his talents in printing to improve society and to motivate the American citizen toward self-improvement. Poor Richard's Almanac was published from 1732 to 1758 and included weather forecasts, household tips, and witty sayings by Franklin published under the pseudonym of "Poor Richard."2 In publications such as the Almanac, and "The Way to Wealth," (the 25th anniversary commemoration of the Almanac) both produced by him during his lifetime, Franklin wrote as an advocate of virtue, self-improvement, hardwork, and self-determination. His writing was highly popular and greatly influenced American culture. For some, the Almanac was the only book of importance to them besides the Bible.2
In his autobiography, published posthumously in 1791, Franklin specifically says he wanted to write the book to help people, especially young people, hoping to inspire others with his own story. The book tells his story and includes his personal philosophies regarding the development of moral character and virtue and self-determination.3 The book includes Franklin's thirteen virtues and his daily schedule.
In the YouTube video "Benjamin Franklin: A Virtuous Life" produced by Tunxis Community College as part of the college's third Tunxis Humanities Athenaeum, on the topic "Benjamin Franklin and the Virtuous Life, " Dr. Rafaele Fierro mentions (starting at 14:00) that for Franklin and his associates, the desire to lead a virtuous life was a strong motivation for undergoing civic projects. Their financial success coupled with their desire to lead virtuous lives lead to them undergoing projects that would develop Philadelphia. He states, "When independent laborers were allowed to pursue their own financial interests free of government interference, they could then devote themselves to civic causes. That would lead to the general improvement of society and, therefore, the country."4 Among others, these civic activities included a city hospital and a city college. 4
1. "From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 23 September 1789." Founders Online. National Archives. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0045 (accessed December 5, 2017).
2. "Benjamin Franklin - Full Episode." Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/video/benjamin-franklin-full-episode-2073416372 (accessed December 5, 2017).
3. Franklin, Benjamin, and Peter J. Conn. 2005. The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Philadelphia, PA: PENN/University of Pennsylvania Press. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=3441461.
4. tunxiscollege. "Benjamin Franklin: A Virtuous Life," video, 1:14:54, December 5 2017. https://youtu.be/403QLGf2pec.
5. The Electric Ben Franklin. http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/ (accessed December 5, 2017).
6. "Benjamin Franklin." PBS.org. http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/ (accessed December 5, 2017).
7. The Franklin Institute. https://www.fi.edu/ (accessed December 5, 2017).
8. BenjaminFranklin.org https://www.fi.edu/ (accessed December 5, 2017).
Other Websites on Benjamin Franklin
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