Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Vanity
Franklin believed that vanity was wrong and those that are vain lose. Franklin was so avid about this that he refused to eat out of china bowls and off silver spoons. When his wife purchased china and silver for him because she believed he was deserving of it he criticized her. This was a gift to him, she admired him so much she decided to purchase something well out of their means because he deserved it. It was almost vain of him to try to live a life preaching about vanity. Franklin did live somewhat of a humble lifestyle but I just have to make the point that he was vain as well. It is a fact that Franklin worked very hard to be more than successful. Had he been as humble as he claimed he would not have had to work so hard to be better than everyone else.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
You're right, of course, Rebecca. But, in fairness to Franklin, he's pretty straightforward about his own tendency toward pride. I have to give Franklin his due. He at least recognizes and acknowledges his pride/vanity, as opposed to other autobiographers (e.g., John Smith).
gad
Post a Comment