Franklin and Emerson

Paper Summary:

The paper first highlights the similar trends of thought in the written works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Benjamin Franklin. The paper then focuses on their differing views and approaches towards politics, religion and technological progress. The paper concludes that, in spite of the thematic differences in their respective works, both Franklin and Emerson emerged as revolutionary, sometimes radical, free thinkers.

From the Paper:

"Benjamin Franklin and Ralph Waldo Emerson are both emblematic, almost legendary figures in American history. Both espoused what would become quintessential American values including staunch affirmations of personal freedom and liberty. Neither advocated a religious hand in state affairs, but both promoted a personal spirituality rooted in common sense morality and humanitarian ideals. Both used the written word to express their ideas, and both eventually spoke out in favor of abolishing slavery. Yet in spite of the many issues upon which the two men would have agreed, Franklin and Emerson held differing worldviews. Franklin was a pre-revolutionary American whose hand helped shape the nation and wrest it from the British crown. Emerson was not so concerned about political issues as Franklin and unlike his predecessor never held a diplomatic post or public office. Undoubtedly their views on politics differed because by the time Emerson was born the nation had been fully formed, its unity taken for granted until the Civil War."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "The Over-soul." Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://www.channingchurch.org/Frontpage/oversoul.html
• Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." 1841. Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://www.emersoncentral.com/selfreliance.htm
• Franklin, Benjamin. "Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion." 1728. Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://www.historycarper.com/resources/twobf2/articles.htm
• Franklin, Benjamin. "A Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain." Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://www.historycarper.com/resources/twobf1/m7.htm
• Franklin, Benjamin. "Poor Richard's Almanac." Retrieved June 22, 2008 from http://pages.prodigy.net/jmiller.cb/prs10.html

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