Criticism of Fordes Claim on Benjamin Franklins...

Argumentative Essay on Fordes claim on Benjamin Franklins autobiography Benjamin Franklins autobiography by Steven Fordes was compiled both as a template for the ancient Americans on how they should live and interact with one another in their society and a memoire to his son. The work was received and embraced by many around the world, Asians and Europeans inclusive. The work was also criticized for many reasons. In order to reach his aim or goal, Forde split the work into three distinct topics; 1) Wealth and Virtue, 2) Virtue of reasonableness, 3) the art of sociability. This essay will look into the succinct analysis of the first part of the autobiography using various sources from Benjamin Franklin to substantiate criticisms and arguments against Fordes claims. The paper will specifically center on the Benjamins Franklins wealth as an individual, and its connection with virtue. Wealth and virtue, to a given extent, were obtained by Benjamin, and in his autobiography; he lucidly provides an explanation on how the two have close relationship. He realize s that just like his friends and other people, acquires motivation from wealth as well as material advancement. He depicts to the audience that through the attempts and practice of being virtuous, he has actually enjoyed happiness and success in his life. Franklin, in most of his biographies states that the ultimate aim or goal of the virtues is not the use of these virtues for individual purposes or benefits in