What Is Benjamin Franklin's Rationalism

856 Words4 Pages
The theory of rationalism is based off of ideas that focus on reasoning skills and kindness to others. When thinking rationally, thoughts form from ideas that make most sense. In The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, Franklin arrives in Philadelphia with little money, but the determination to start a new and pure life in the city. In his narrative, he explains his techniques and reasoning’s for doing acts of kindness towards others because it will lead him to live a more rational life. Franklin believes that being kind to others is a logical daily task. During his time in the city, he decides to formulate a plan in order to achieve moral perfection, which will make him well rounded and more rational. Once completed, he will become flawless…show more content…
Once they arrive, Franklin pays the men for their service. At first, the men “refused it, on account of [his] rowing; but [he] insisted on their taking it” (Franklin 68). He demands the men take his offering because it was Franklin’s choice to generously help row and he believes he should still owe them for their work. Franklin’s reasoning behind his decision to pay the men in addition to his rowing is because he believes “being sometimes more generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty,[is] perhaps through fear of being thought to have but little” (68). Franklin feels somewhat insecure as he is entering the city and wants people to think he has more wealth than he actually does. His choice to be generous to the workers is an example of his rational thoughts and actions because he is choosing to help row and pay them as well. His actions make sense to him because the men deserve to be paid for their work, even though he worked with them. Franklin demonstrates his new rational way of life through his beliefs and actions of generosity towards…show more content…
He wants to find the high road to take because it will lead him to the best opportunities. He decides to follow a group of “clean-dressed people” (69). Franklin’s rational principle of common sense is shown by this decision because he knows the people will lead him to where he wants his life to be. He reasons that they will be able to guide him to the steps to become higher in social status than his current state. Eventually, the tidy people lead him to “the great meetinghouse of the Quakers” (69). Franklin knows that he wants to be in the house because the well respected people gathered there. He is looking for the chance to rise up and develop into a part of the upper class. His rational thinking is demonstrated by his common sense because he knows he must surround himself with the best since he wanted to be the best. Franklin displays his rational decision making skills by deciding to join with the elite class since he wanted to become a part of the higher social
Show More
Related

  • Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography

    1120 Words  | 5 Pages

    CCNY USSO 101 Felipe Bernardo da Silva Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) belongs to a very select group of the exceptional American progressive thinkers and public figures. He was one of the greatest scientist if encyclopedic knowledge, brilliant promoter of educational ideas and active member of the bourgeois revolution. One of Franklin’s most famous work was his "Autobiography". Franklin’s Autobiography shows us how he, relying only on their own strength, came to the attention and glory. Franklin

    Read More

More about What Is Benjamin Franklin's Rationalism

Open Document