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Doing Business In The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin

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In modern society, there is a noticeable difference in the way people act in the business world and the way people act in other aspects of life. The ethics of “doing business” are different from the one’s behavior in the hearth. In The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Ben demonstrates how he treats people in different situations, and how to handle those situations. Even though he lived more than 200 years ago, the way he uses sociability to become successful in the business world is something to be marveled. Though he has questionable morality when he is working, the way he handles his business can and should be modeled today. Franklin states that “Having gone so far through life with a considerable share of felicity…fit to be imitated.” He calls the autobiography a model for happiness that could be useful to the common man, suitable for different situations. Perhaps the greatest lesson Ben teaches is the art of sociability. He is able to manipulate and persuade his fellow businessmen to climb the social ladder, achieving prominent success in the business world and garnering great wealth. Early in the autobiography, Franklin states, “Nothing was useful which was not honest (Franklin 7).” Franklin is commonly criticized for not being honest when doing business. …show more content…

By treating one’s superiors with respect and using a business façade, one has a better chance of being promoted or at least noticed in the business world. Creating an opposition in an argument makes the tone abrasive and supports tension. When using Franklin’s persuasion tactics, the tone will not become abrasive and the conversation will continue without confrontation. Franklin’s sociability is about implementing social skills like arguing passively to gain respect when

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