Embracing Humility: Lessons from Jesus and Socrates in Benjamin Franklins Philosophy

Abstract

In his virtue “13. Humility,” Benjamin Franklin lists the following Precept: “Imitate Jesus and Socrates.” While Jesus and Socrates may share a few characteristics, they have a few differences as well. Since the precept itself is a dilemma, why do you think Franklin Issues this precept? It is imperative to note that Franklin one can only speculate or argue humility virtue based on this authors personal perspective and beliefs. To this effect, when Benjamin Franklin talked about “Imitate Jesus and Socrates” through the humility lenses, he might have found great qualities or aspects from these two great figures valuable to emulate. These two historical figures became known for their ethical teachings and their great impact to their target audiences. For this reason, Franklin aimed at emulating their moral and philosophical influence through embracing their intellectual rigor and moral principles that would help define a humble and virtuous character. As Franklin puts it, “I cannot boost of much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue (humility), but I had a good deal with regard to the appearance of it,” it is open that as a person he was striving to emulate the figure mentioned above by all means with limited pride to enhance realization of a virtuous and humble character. On a further note, Franklin seemed to have some special liking of Socratic method as they reflected humility through self-reflection in that through questioning and seeking self-knowledge the approach would help cultivate humility through critical self-reflection as well as recognition of personal intellectual limitations. Last but not least, though Franklin was not very religious as did not adhere to any religious doctrine, he valued Jesus and Socrates due to their power and moral accountability. Franklin aimed at achieving religious and spiritual significance as the two reflected...