More wise self-exploration of a young B. Franklin, remembered and edited, of course, by an old B. Franklin... “My list of virtues containd at first but twelve; but a Quaker friend having kindly informed me that I was generally thought proud; that my pride showd itself frequently in conversation; that I was not content with being in the right when discussing any point, but was overbearing, and rather insolent, of which he convincd me by mentioning several instances; I determined endeavouring to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly among the rest, and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning to the word. I cannot boast of much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue, but I had a good deal with regard to the appearance of it. I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of my own. I even forbid myself, agreeably to the old laws of our Junto, the use of every word or expression in the language that imported a fixd opinion, such as certainly, undoubtedly and I adopted, instead of them, I conceive, I apprehend, or I imagine a thing to be so or so; or it so appears to me at present. When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denyd myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition; and in answering I began by observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present case there appeard or seemd to me some difference, etc. I soon found the advantage of this change in my manner; the conversations I engagd in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I proposd my opinions procurd them a readier reception and less contradiction; I had less mortification when I was found to be in the wrong, and I more easily prevaild with others to give up their mistakes and join with me when I happened to be in the right.” Excerpt From: Franklin, Benjamin. “Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.” iBooks. This material may be protected by copyright. Check out this book on the iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=396135639
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 04:57:47 +0000
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