Benjamin Franklin's virtues are very useful, depending on who you are. Reflecting on Henry Tuckerman's opinon of Franklin's virtues and Franklin's own opinion on the virtues he himself created, it is interesting to see how the two agree in similar ways. Franlin's system behind the virtues is rather complicated, but simple in a way...if that makes any sense at all. After careful consideration, I have decided that Tuckerman really liked Franklin. He sees the flaws in the virtue system, but at the same time, so does Franklin. This shows that people (like Tuckerman)are able to successfully analyze Franklin's virtues and come up with their own opinion. With this said, it means that no one opinion on the system is exactly right. As long as you analyze the material in your way, no one can judge you for your opinion. I sound like I am just ranting, but in all honesty, this makes complete sense in my head. I am using Franklin's virtues to creatively write this blog.
Despite the fact that Henry Tuckerman's criticism was longer than any other document I think I have read before, I was able to pinpoint the main points of the document. Basically, Tuckerman agrees with the virtues Franklin has, but he says that the system of virtues is a bit hard to follow. Franklin is a philosopher in Tuckerman's opinion (Tuckerman). Tuckerman makes a good point about Franklin's system of virtues. He says that every virtue is not for everyone, but they can be applied to anyone's life if they really need it. During the Rationalism period, people were big on fixing things to make their lives better. I think that society saw Franklin's virtues not as being perfect, but as being basics for steps to improve their own lives. The Rationalism period was very prominent for thinking outside of the box, which Tuckerman does in his criticism report.
As for Franklin and his virtues, I believe he did a good job of trying to set of his system successfully. He tried to manage his life in a rather organized manner. Many people recognize his success in doing this even today. That is why we have to learn about these virtues in our everyday lives. Benjamin Franklin, along with Tuckerman, see that the virtues will not work for everyone, and they come to the conclusion that people need to figure out how to apply the virtues to their OWN lives. It may not be a perfect system, but it is a darn good start for someone seeking help in life with their organizational skills and self-help stuff.
Overall, I think my opinion of Franklin's virtues has changed after reading Tuckerman's critical review. He points out many good circumstances that I before had no idea to ponder on. I think that Benjamin Franklin's system is something to apply to our lives in at least some way throughout our walk of life. Tuckerman agrees in many ways with what Franklin has to say. It is clear to see that Tuckerman would have liked Franklin if they would have ever met.
Franklin, Benjamin, and Leonard Woods Labaree. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. New Haven: Yale UP, 1964. Print.
Tuckerman, Henry T. "The Character of Franklin." Facts on File. Web. 30 Oct. 2011.
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