Ben Franklin Vs Emerson

The Americans are the pilgrims from the west who have carried a great mass of sciences, arts, industry, and vigor, which began in the east. They were once scattered all over Europe but have been incorporated into one of the best systems of inhabitants in the world. The American is a new person acting upon new principles, forcing him to entertain new ideas and come up with new opinions. He was

Work is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an activity in which one exerts strength or faculties to do or perform something. Early American writers often asked if work could provide freedom or happiness. For instance, writers such as Benjamin Franklin, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson all had their own unique interpretations of what work was, how it coincided with liberty, and how it played a role in the pursuit of achieving satisfaction. Benjamin Franklin was a hard-working man, and a man of many trades. He was a printer, a writer, an inventor, and most importantly, a politician.

As F. Scott Fitzgerald states, “It’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of...” Benjamin Franklin and John Woolman, both reflective, conscious thinkers of their time, embody this quote as they regularly pursued self-awareness and endeavoured to achieve their own valued principles. The similar themes of hyperawareness of morals and vanity, the impression of religion, wealth, and inner-outer consciousness pronounced by these two figures’ autobiography and journal are striking and, as well as the contrasting elements, merit thorough examination and explanation.

Being an American today can mean different things to different people but for me it means to have respect for religion and hope for better days through better ways.Thomas Paine and William Bradford give examples of how they modeled america to be the way it is today. The two passages I am going to be quoting are going to be “The Crisis” by Thomas Paine and “Of Plymouth Plantation” by William Bradford.

What does it mean to be an American? This question has often been purposed throughout American Literature. This answer depends on one singular important factor, time. Timing is everything, it determines what is happening in the present, what has occurred in the past, and it gives us a glimpse of the possibilities yet to come. Benjamin Franklin and John Winthrop, both knew a very different America, because of this they both have a very different sense American identity and a sense of community that was present in America during those time periods. Winthrop lived in early America when the country was just starting to take shape with the first colonies being

1.)Crevecoeur describes several qualities that makes Americans a different developing society, and many attributes that we still see today. “Industry, good living, selfishness, litigiousness, country politics, the pride of freemen, religious indifference are their characteristics.” (Crevecoeur 313) While these characteristics may not seem to necessarily represent Americans in a positive light, Crevecoeur accurately portrays the foundation of American values that continue today. Ambition, religious freedom, and self-importance dominate our society today, as well as, our egos, pride, and self-reliance. It is difficult to define the qualities of an American, considering we are a constantly evolving nation, however Crevecoeur minimizes the importance of American adventure.

In today's world there is one thing that can be found across the globe. This thing is highly influential, loved by many, and of of the most innovative things to ever be seen. What is this thing? It is America. The modern world would not be the same without it. But what does it mean to be American? To be an American, you must follow one principle: you must chase the American dream. Being American is not about being successful or even having money. It is the simple concept of chasing the American dream not succeeding in achieving it. This essay will explain the American dream and how it relates to the American identity in three ways: Through classic American literature, a study of historical documents, and a close look

In the late 18th century in the United States of America, Americans struggled to find their “American Identity” as a new nation. Throughout this time period, ideas and values changed with the formation of a new nation. However, influences made by Benjamin Franklin help shape the “American Dream”. Benjamin Franklin helped define American success with The Autobiography and Poor Richard’s Almanack to help the new Americans obtain their identity.

Benjamin Franklin and John Winthrop, men with different ideals, present the same notion that America should be presented as a “city upon a hill.” Franklin believed that the American dream should be presented as an ideal where men and women are equal and can both move up in social class on their own, practicing any religion they desired. On the other hand, Winthrop believed that the new world was a religious safe haven only for the Puritans. American Exceptionalism was overall the main focus, guiding America to define itself as a special nation founded upon democratic values and liberty.

In the year of 1600’s, the United States of America was being colonized by European countries especially by England. However, on 4th of July 1776 America became independent after having drafted the “Declaration of Independence” initiated by Thomas Jefferson [History of the United States, Wikipedia]. The difference between these two time periods shows that Britain had colonized America for about 176 years which ultimately led to prosper European cultures. Although America became an independent nation, European culture was still playing its role. Therefore, American writers namely Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau presented an idea about American Identity.

During revolutionary America, Benjamin Franklin, Olaudah Equiano, and Phillis Wheatley all wrote autobiographical works that framed their identities and explored new ideas taking form through the Great Awakening and Enlightenment. Equiano and Wheatley wrote in support of abolition and used their works to exemplify that, while Franklin focused on the “American dream” and how he was able to achieve it. Despite these differences, all three were quick to mention religion in America and the Christian hypocrisy associated with it.

As a young child growing up through grade school I've always heard that Thomas Paine’s writing, “Common Sense,” was a very integral part of the founding of our nation. However, we never really expanded much past that. I cannot believe it has taken me twenty-five years for me to read this amazingly moving piece of literature! After reading through the collection of authors we were provided this week, I found J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur’s writing, “Letters from an American Farmer, Letter III What Is an American,” almost as equally compelling.

What ideas are associated with Americans? What types of ideology makes the United States different than other countries? The American Dream and the aspiration to achieve one’s dreams is one of these elements. At the core of the United States is the belief that anyone can achieve anything. Every American is taught that anything can be accomplished, no matter who someone is or where someone comes from. Every individual aspires to achieve greatness—however an individual chooses to define it. Americans are often able to and encouraged to pursue this dream, and overcome any obstacles standing in their way. In the United States, it is normal to wish to achieve greatness instead of settling for practical job, and for parents to desire for their children

Furthermore, the idea of the American Dream is seen throughout the pages written by Franklin. He is one of the original theorists for a virtuousness life and what that entails, ultimately depicting how principles are the guiding force in one's life. For him, principles are more important than organized religion in terms of living one's life honorably and well, or of doing good. In his opinion, religion is important because we find his mentioning of God numerous times yet, to Franklin principles help you work on doing good things for the sake of it and not a higher being. In The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, the hardest virtue to work on is humility, that is because even if you manage to be humble, that's something to be proud of. Thrift and frugality are easier to manage, but just as important: practicing them gives you time to concentrate on the things that matter, like improving your mind or working for the common good. To hold these virtues one will be able to gain affluence and reputation which ultimately equates to gaining the American Dream. In his step-by-step guide to engaging the renowned life, Franklin suggests that your personal success adds to societal success, in turn placing cooperation of all

So from my understanding on “What is an American” by Crevecoeur it’s about someone who has high pride for his or her country. Crevecoeur showed us that every American and every religion are equal and free. Crevecoeur shows us in “What is an American” still stands true today that anyone can be an American if he or she is proud their country, has a volunteering heart and acts on new principles. “Self-Reliance” by Emerson is about the natural instinct of American how they are more self-conscious about their life. If you avoid conformity and false consistency, let the important things in life influence your mind, and allowing the past to influence your future you’ll get through life from my understanding after reading this story. In addition, that