As we in the U.S. continue to winnow the field of prospective presidential candidates through primaries and caucuses, I am once again reminded of a bit of personal philosophy uttered by perhaps our country’s most famous founder not to become president.
The following declarations, or “Plan of Conduct,” by Ben Franklin, are reprinted from Robert Walsh, “Life of Benjamin Franklin,” Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans (Philadelphia, 1815-17), II, 51-2.
Keep in mind Franklin was quite a young man when he composed these propositions in 1726.
“Those who write of the art of poetry teach us that if we would write what may be worth the reading, we ought always, before we begin, to form a regular plan and design of our piece: otherwise, we shall be in danger of incongruity. I am apt to think it is the same as to life. I have never fixed a regular design in life; by which means it has been a confused variety of different scenes. I am now entering upon a new one: let me, therefore, make some resolutions, and form some scheme of action, that, henceforth, I may live in all respects like a rational creature.
1. It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, till I have paid what I owe.
2. To endeavour to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action—the most amiable excellence in a rational being.
3. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty.
4. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of every body.”
History has shown the extent to which Ben Franklin followed through on his early life plan, and the width and breadth of his achievements.
Think, if you will, about each potential president still in the hunt, and imagine if you can, whether any one of them could live up to these four simple proscriptions for behavior.
Now imagine for a moment or two what the United States of America, great as it may have been - or continue to be - through its history, how much more just, fair, accomplished, respected, rational and productive our nation could have been… And indeed, may yet still be.
Is there a Benjamin Franklin running for president this year?
© 2008 TS Tyler All Rights Reserved
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