Benjamin Franklin's the Art of Virtue: His Formula for Successful Living

by Benjamin Franklin

Book Overview

Benjamin Franklin was one of the greatest American minds of the 18th century, and his goal was to be a doer of good and to live a useful life. His dedication to principles of self-improvement and his belief that these principles could be beneficial to all led him in 1760 to "propose ... a little work ... to be called The Art of Virtue". Though Franklin never completed the project, editor George L. Rogers has culled Franklin's writings to assemble...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0938399039
• ISBN13: 9780938399032
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Acorn Publishing
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Exceptionally Insightful Piece from One of History's Great Thinkers

The Art of Virtue covers Franklin's twelve principles for living a virtuous, happy and productive life. Franklin never complied these into a book himself, thus George Rogers pieced this together from several of Franklin's written pieces, segments from his Almanacs, and other various sources including letters to friends. Rogers' commentary is complete with analysis and summations that result in an exceptionally well flowing masterpiece. Franklin observed that people tend to let their values be dictated by the tide of popular option; an ominous notion given that the choices we make that govern our lives are generally in the context of our value system. Franklin asserts choosing values is among the most important choices we make as human beings; thus the greatest of all ambitions is to develop strong character. All his guidance is based on the principle that the one thing all humans have in common in a desire to be happy, and therefore being of strong character and living a virtuous life is the most logical path to true happiness. Franklin's ideals are strong on morals, yet are also powerfully pragmatic. He does not suggest merely living an altruistic life, but to live by a set of guiding principles that lead to productivity built upon strong character. Said best by Franklin, "To be happy it is necessary to learn how to govern one's passions and appetites, to be just in one's dealings with others, to be temperate in one's pleasures, to support oneself with fortitude in difficulties, and to be prudent in one's affairs." An added benefit, George Rogers offers such a fine overview of Franklin's thoughts that Rogers nearly maintains the grandeur of Franklin himself. If more work was available from Rogers I would jump at the chance to find a copy. This book is an outstanding success and one I readily recommend to those who value practical philosophy.

EXCELLENT

Purchase went smoothly. Condition was a stated and appreciate the honesty and simply of this order.

Love Ben Franklin

Great book on Benjamin Franklin's life. This book will make you a better person. Read it and digest it.

Timeless work

When you look at the cover and the preface, the book may appear to be written by Benjamin Franklin, but that is somewhat misleading. Sure, the essence of the book comes from the writings of B.F., but the editor of the book has also done a great job of putting a collection of writings by Franklin into an excellent structure. Twelve virtues are identified answering key questions about the source of happiness, how to attain it, and many other important aspects of life. Each virtue is supported by B.F.'s writings. I especially liked the summaries at the end of each chapter that would emphasize the essential points of the corresponding virtue. This is a very accessible book, and a great companion for anyone who thinks life should be more than pursuing selfish goals and satisfying petty pleasures. Perhaps, this work is more useful in understanding B.F.'s wisdom than his autobiography, which is another great classic. I was slightly confused as to why the book was presented to be merely a book by B.F., given that the editor has contributed quite a bit in terms of organization and explanations. Perhaps to improve the sales? In any event, this is a great work that, I bet, will improve the perspective of anyone who reads it actively.

SUPER-CALA-FRAGA-LISTIC-EXPI-ALA-DOSCIOUSE

I am actually in the process of reading this book right now, and I love it. The things that Rogers decided to include in this book about the life and wisdom of Benjamin Franklin has definately given me new insights into who he was, but more importantly, insights into specific ways how I can better my own life. In an instant I would strongly recomend to people to not just read it, but find ways to apply the things they learn in thier lives. It's just good, what else can I say?