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Franklins known to most people as an inventor and scientist, possibly even as a politician. Most people probably are not aware of are Franklins contributions to the literary world. His one of a kind views and intellect provided his generation and ours with a different perspective on society and political events. In his writing “The Way of Wealth” Franklin showed how he was able to step outside the common “norm” to share his unique perspective on wealth and spending. In “The Way of Wealth” Franklin explores the topic of wealth and how to achieve It.
In his generation It was common amongst the upper classes to flaunt their wealth through their purchases, and most of them lived a very lavish lifestyle. It was not considered appropriate for someone with wealth to live humbly while saving money. Many went Into great debt to support their lifestyle. Franklin went against this tradition and extolled the virtue of preserving and Investing wisely. Franklin created a fictional character that he called Poor Richard, who wrote helpful tips In Poor Richards Almanac. In It Franklin emphasized the need for society to control their spending and maintain their wealth.
The Way to Wealth is written from the perspective of the humorous Poor Richard who was quoting a so-called reader of his work name Father Abraham. By using a secondary source that was praising the wisdom of Poor Richard, Franklin was lending an element of validity and importance to his work. Benjamin Franklin also felt that too many people were focused on buying items that were not necessary. Father Abraham tells his audience that going into debt is like giving control of your lie over to another: think what you do when you run in debt; you give to another power over your Liberty. This is a very comparable problem in modern society. Many people today still have the problem of going into debt to live a certain lifestyle. We have mixed up our priorities and confused necessities with luxury. In conclusion, through the voice of Father Abraham, Poor Richard degrades laziness and sloth. He tells his audience that laziness will lead to poverty: “laziness travels so slowly, that poverty soon overtakes him. ” It is noticeable that Franklin believed strongly in hard work and thought that all men should work hard to succeed.
Laziness and idleness were felt to be the downfall of men and women. Franklins thoughts have withstood the test of time and still speak to us on topics that are relevant to our lives. In our society today many people, especially young people, are going Into debt to live above their means. It would be very wise of us to read Benjamin Franklins The Way to Wealth and learn from his helpful advice. Ours with a different perspective on society and political events. In his writing “The Franklin explores the topic of wealth and how to achieve it.
In his generation it was someone with wealth to live humbly while saving money. Many went into great debt to support their lifestyle. Franklin went against this tradition and extolled the virtue of preserving and investing wisely. Franklin created a fictional character that he called Poor Richard, who wrote helpful tips in Poor Richards Almanac. In it Franklin many people, especially young people, are going into debt to live above their means. It would be very wise of us to read Benjamin Franklins The Way to Wealth and learn