Benjamin Franklin Archetypical American

There was most definitely not a more archetypical American than Franklin. It is absolutely remarkable and astounding to see what he accomplished in his life. He was a businessman, politician, inventor, printer,and wrote two books, one an autobiography! He was a hard working, clever, and ambitious man and entrepreneur. Franklin was the creator of bifocals, the "Franklin stove, lighting rod, and the glass harmonica. Different variations of the Franklin stove are still in use today, as well as with his other inventions.

He was a practical individual, as can be attested to in his book of aphorisms. He was very much so an advocate of common sense and logic in every aspect of life. His book of aphorisms is a lot like Proverbs in the Bible, in it's simplistic solutions to everyday problems. It's goal was to inform and assist people in their lives, by offering cures to each issue. This is also Franklin's motive in his autobiography, where he gives some excellent business advice.


For instance, he says that women should learn bookkeeping and accountant skills, for their husband's businesses.That way they know the odds and ends of this practical knowledge, when their husbands are no longer around. Instead of being helpless, ignorant widows, they can carry on the tradition, and have a way to earn a living for themselves. There were plenty of other hands-on applications in Franklin's literature. For example, in his book"Poor Richard's Almanac" he said, "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy,wealthy and wise." This is an obvious good habit to get into, so one is happy and well rested for each day.

Another one would be "keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee". Basically this means that if you maintain your business diligently, it's income will serve you well one day. You will benefit from the fruit of your labors, and be prosperous and well cared for, as Franklin was. He committed himself faithfully all his life, trying his hand at a variety of things. He was lucky enough to do swimmingly at all of them, and could therefore have the leisure of retirement.

This was rare in the average middle class family, during the 1700s. Usually it was only the wealthy that could even afford to live off their careers, without going to work. So Benjamin Franklin's success was very impressive for someone in his social position. He is said to have enjoyed reading very much and this was one of the ways he enjoyed spending his retirement.


For a man who worked so laboriously, he was wholly deserving of rest and rejuvenation. Other major feats he achieved were the founding of the American Philosophic Society, and working as a trustee of the University of Philadelphia. Franklin's religious/philosophical beliefs are rather difficult to pin down, but we do know for sure he was a deist. He had a fundamental belief of God and thought he was a non-judgmental being.
But unlike many popular figures around this time, he didn't emphasize the wrath and fury of God on humanity. He believed in the punishment of hell, if a person rejected their maker and choose sin/darkness. Yet he wasn't one to go into the vivid detail of describing eternity, in order to invoke fear in his listeners. In this way he didn't solely think of God as a terrifying, appalling dictator who was out to destroy his creation at every way.
Ben Franklin also didn't associate himself with any particular religion, favoring instead an broad or "eclectic" stance. It can be stated that although he didn't agree completely with the Puritans, he respected their strong work ethic.


Benjamin was a huge promoter of self-improvement and creating a persona. He even carried around his own," Poor Richard's Almanac" to remind himself of his goals. This was also something he wanted to communicate to his audience. He thought it was extremely crucial to always be enhancing one's life with adjustments that made it better. Now one shouldn't take this too far, by being haughty and proud of what they had done in their lifetime. They should take up the strategy of not taking credit and remaining humble.

To be completely fair, Franklin only exemplified this practice on the surface. It was a false perception that didn't really reflect his true heart. He was very proud of being such a well-rounded or versatile person and for good reason.

By the end of his lifetime, there was a stunning number of accolades he could brag about. He was an instrumental politician during the American Revolution,and the oldest one at the National Convention(during the French Revolution) He had written his way to success,  with his Poor Richard's Almanac which sold 10,000 copies a year. His personal memoir became the most famous and influential example of an autobiography ever composed! He had invented 4 different masterpieces, which all continue to be sold long after his death. Finally, he was the very definition of an entrepreneur, starting his own successful printing business and store.


Benjamin Franklin has gone down in history,renown all over the world as a historical legend and a model American. No one in American can be compared to him, in the immenseness of his attainments.

Benjamin Franklin Archetypical American

There was most definitely not a more archetypical American than Franklin. It is absolutely remarkable and astounding to see what he accomplished in his life. He was a businessman, politician, inventor, printer,and wrote two books, one an autobiography! He was a hard working, clever, and ambitious man and entrepreneur. Franklin was the creator of bifocals, the "Franklin stove, lighting rod, and the glass harmonica. Different variations of the Franklin stove are still in use today, as well as with his other inventions.

He was a practical individual, as can be attested to in his book of aphorisms. He was very much so an advocate of common sense and login in every aspect of life. His book of aphorisms is a lot like Proverbs in the Bible, in it's simplistic solutions to everyday problems. It's goal was to inform and assist people in their lives, by offering cures to each issue. This is also Franklin's motive in his autobiography, where he gives some excellent business advice.


For instance, he says that women should learn bookkeeping and accountant skills, for their husband's businesses.That way they know the odds and ends of this practical knowledge, when their husbands are no longer around. Instead of being helpless, ignorant widows, they can carry on the tradition, and have a way to earn a living for themselves. There were plenty of other hands-on applications in Franklin's literature. For example, in his book"Poor Richard's Almanac" he said, "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy,wealthy and wise." This is an obvious good habit to get into, so one is happy and well rested for each day.

Another one would be "keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee". Basically this means that if you maintain your business diligently, it's income will serve you well one day. You will benefit from the fruit of your labors, and be prosperous and well cared for, as Franklin was. He committed himself faithfully all his life, trying his hand at a variety of things. He was lucky enough to do swimmingly at all of them, and could therefore have the leisure of retirement.

This was rare in the average middle class family, during the 1700s. Usually it was only the wealthy that could even afford to live off the careers, without going to work. So Benjamin Franklin's success was very impressive for someone in his social position. He is said to have enjoyed reading very much and this was one of the ways he enjoyed spending his retirement.


For a man who worked so laboriously, he was wholly deserving of rest and rejuvenation. Other major feats he achieved were the founding of the American Philosophic Society, and working as a trustee of the University of Philadelphia. Franklin's religious/philosophical beliefs are rather difficult to pin down, but we do know for sure he was a deist. He had a fundamental belief of God and thought he was a non-judgmental being.
But unlike many popular figures around this time, he didn't emphasize the wrath and fury of God on humanity. He believed in the punishment of hell, if a person rejected their maker and choose sin/darkness. Yet he wasn't one to go into the vivid detail of describing eternity, in order to invoke fear in his listeners. In this way he didn't solely think of God as a terrifying, appalling dictator who was out to destroy his creation at every way.
Ben Franklin also didn't associate himself with any particular religion, favoring instead an broad or "eclectic" stance. It can be stated that although he didn't agree completely with the Puritans, he respected their strong work ethic.


Benjamin was a huge promoter of self-improvement and creating a persona. He even carried around his own," Poor Richard's Almanac" to remind himself of his goals. This was also something he wanted to communicate to his audience. He thought it was extremely crucial to always be enhancing one's life with adjustments that made it better. Now one shouldn't take this too far, by being haughty and proud of what they had done in their lifetime. They should take up the strategy of not taking credit and remaining humble.

To be completely fair, Franklin only exemplified this practice on the surface. It was a false perception that didn't really reflect his true heart. He was very proud of being such a well-rounded or versatile person and for good reason.

By the end of his lifetime, there was a stunning number of accolades he could brag about. He was an instrumental politician during the American Revolution,and the oldest one at the National Convention(during the French Revolution) He had written his way to success,  with his Poor Richard's Almanac which sold 10,000 copies a year. His personal memoir became the most famous and influential example of an autobiography ever composed! He had invented 4 different masterpieces, which all continue to be sold long after his death. Finally, he was the very definition of an entrepreneur, starting his own successful printing business and store.


Benjamin Franklin has gone down in history,renown all over the world as a historical legend and a model American. No one in American can be compared to him, in the immenseness of his attainments.

Western Civilization Short Essay: November 21, 2016

(1) What was the Augustan Settlement? How did Augustus balance his perceived need for absolute power with his concern to lend the impression that the republic had been restored and the old ways were being observed?

(2) Read the selections from The Aeneid from Lesson 49, and skim this essay on The Aeneid. What is the basic story of this epic? Why do you think this great literary work has also been called an exercise in political propaganda?

(3) Discuss the autobiography of Augustus.

(4) Use your reading and the video lesson to summarize important events in the life of Julius Caesar.

Question 4: Important Events in The Life of Julius Caesar 

Gaius Julius Caesar was born on July 13, 100 BC into a patrician family, that was linked to the infamous Trojan prince, Aeneas. He played a crucial role in the fall of the Roman republic, as a politician and general. He wormed his way into the position of consul in Rome in 59 B.C. He served as consul for a year and was then appointed as governor of Gaul from which he obtained quite a fortune.

In 59 B.C., Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey the Great and Marcus Crassus. Pompey was at the time looked up as the greatest military commander of his time! Crassus was the richest man in Rome, largest landlord, and a property speculator. This was an extremely important political alliance, that lasted from 59 B.C. to Crassus's death in 53 B.C. The First Triumvirate was an informal secret agreement between these powerful figures to support each other. 

In the public eye, it looked as if these three men just happened to agree with other other, and solve problems smoothly.But, in private, they had simply created a compromise that was selfish at the core. These men only wanted their advance their own personal gains and really had no interest in each other whatsoever. Each one was simply in the deal for what they could get out of it.

Julius Caesar was victorious in the Gallic Wars, where he defeated a number of Gallic Tribes.This win increased Rome's territory, with the addition of the English Channel and the Rhine. It made Caesar the first general to cross these two rivers, when he built a bridge and directed the first invasion of Britain.

 Pompey had chosen to recommit himself to the Senate, after the death of Crassus. This  had ended the First Triumvirate and made Pompey jealous. After the conquering of The Rhine, the Senate ordered him to resign from his military command. He had the choice of either obeying the Senate or starting what would be a bloody war with Pompey. Pompey had chosen to recommit himself to the Senate, after the death of Crassus. This had ended the contract(First Triumvirate) and put Caesar in a higher position than Pompey.This win increased Rome's territory, with the addition of the English Channel and the Rhine. He also made a bold, rebellious move when he crossed the Rubicon River in 49 B.C. "Crossing the Rubicon" was a illegal, scandalous move that ultimately ignited a Civil War within Rome's borders. 

The Rubicon was a river that separated Gaul and Italy. Caesar knew that a war would be the result, yet he plunged ahead without hesitation.The consequence of this deadly action would eventually be the formation of the Roman empire. It was a decision that couldn't be taken back, once Julius went ahead with it. 

As his men followed him across the river, Caesar famously shouted, "Let us go where the omens of the Gods and the crimes of our enemies summon us! The crime is now cast!" In light of this fateful deed, Caesar also became the first man daring to defy this ancient roman law. Of course, as always, Julius Caesar kept on fighting and the Roman civil war became one of his many conquests and accomplishments.

Upon the end of the war, he took over the government completely and essentially became a tyrant. He was declared, "dictator in perpetuity," which means emperor for life and basically thought to be God. He had access and power over the bureaucracy, as well as initiating many new social and government reforms. His own "Julian calendar" was a notable alteration, which all the citizens were expected to use.


There were plenty of people who opposed his rule and outright disregard for Roman laws.Eventually, his controlling, ambitious attitude led to his assassination on March 15, 44 B.C, by a group of senators led by a man named Marcus Brutus. Because of this, even more drama and strife was aroused and new civil wars took place. Julius's great- nephew, Octavian was given the privilege of taking his uncle's place as governor, when he beat his adversaries in one of these civil wars. The start of his reign kindled the beginning of the Roman empire era, and an end to the old constitutional form of government.










Question 1: What was the Augustan Settlement? How did Augustus balance his perceived need for absolute power with his concern to lend the impression that the republic had been restored and the old ways were being observed?

The Augustan Settlement took place on January 16th, 27 B.C. Gaius Octavian, the great-nephew and heir of Caesar was renamed "Augustus," which means " the illustrious one". Octavian maintained the illusion that he wasn't a tyrant like his Uncle, and even relinquished some of his powers to the Senate. He pretended to be humble and contrite, willing to obey Roman tradition. He realized he had to be more subtle about his want for control, than his Uncle before him, if he was to survive.

Therefore, he outwardly returned the Republic to it's original free state, by restoring control to the Senate, legislative assemblies, and executive magistrates. Augustus refused to be given titles that made him the highest authority and a monarch. Rather he referred to himself as Princeps Civitatis  "First Citizen of The State". But the truth was that Augustus had autocratic(tyrannical) powers just like his Uncle had. By law he had the role of supreme military command for life,tribune, and censor. He was extremely clever, in weaving an intricate framework that fooled everyone. He convinced his nation that he respected the constitutional form of government and was a fair, noble ruler.

During his lifetime, he started the Praetorian guard, instilled police/fire services for Rome, developed a standing army, and an official courier system. He was also instrumental in repairing and rebuilding Rome after the havoc of the past years. Augustus was even further successful by developing Roman's borders, with the addition of Egypt and Africa. His reign ushered in a long period of Pax Romana (The Roman Peace), that lasted for 2 centuries!

Western Civilization Short Essay: November 21, 2016

(1) What was the Augustan Settlement? How did Augustus balance his perceived need for absolute power with his concern to lend the impression that the republic had been restored and the old ways were being observed?

(2) Read the selections from The Aeneid from Lesson 49, and skim this essay on The Aeneid. What is the basic story of this epic? Why do you think this great literary work has also been called an exercise in political propaganda?

(3) Discuss the autobiography of Augustus.

(4) Use your reading and the video lesson to summarize important events in the life of Julius Caesar.

Question 4: Important Events in The Life of Julius Caesar 

Gaius Julius Caesar was born on July 13, 100 BC into a patrician family, that was linked to the infamous Trojan prince, Aeneas. He played a crucial role in the fall of the Roman republic, as a politician and general. He wormed his way into the position of consul in Rome in 59 B.C. He served as consul for a year and was then appointed as governor of Gaul from which he obtained quite a fortune.

In 59 B.C., Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey the Great and Marcus Crassus. Pompey was at the time looked up as the greatest military commander of his time! Crassus was the richest man in Rome, largest landlord, and a property speculator. This was an extremely important political alliance, that lasted from 59 B.C. to Crassus's death in 53 B.C. The First Triumvirate was an informal secret agreement between these powerful figures to support each other. 

In the public eye, it looked as if these three men just happened to agree with other other, and solve problems smoothly.But, in private, they had simply created a compromise that was selfish at the core. These men only wanted their advance their own personal gains and really had no interest in each other whatsoever. Each one was simply in the deal for what they could get out of it.

Julius Caesar was victorious in the Gallic Wars, where he defeated a number of Gallic Tribes.This win increased Rome's territory, with the addition of the English Channel and the Rhine. It made Caesar the first general to cross these two rivers, when he built a bridge and directed the first invasion of Britain.

 Pompey had chosen to recommit himself to the Senate, after the death of Crassus. This  had ended the First Triumvirate and made Pompey jealous. After the conquering of The Rhine, the Senate ordered him to resign from his military command. He had the choice of either obeying the Senate or starting what would be a bloody war with Pompey. Pompey had chosen to recommit himself to the Senate, after the death of Crassus. This had ended the contract(First Triumvirate) and put Caesar in a higher position than Pompey.This win increased Rome's territory, with the addition of the English Channel and the Rhine. He also made a bold, rebellious move when he crossed the Rubicon River in 49 B.C. "Crossing the Rubicon" was a illegal, scandalous move that ultimately ignited a Civil War within Rome's borders. 

The Rubicon was a river that separated Gaul and Italy. Caesar knew that a war would be the result, yet he plunged ahead without hesitation.The consequence of this deadly action would eventually be the formation of the Roman empire. It was a decision that couldn't be taken back, once Julius went ahead with it. 

As his men followed him across the river, Caesar famously shouted, "Let us go where the omens of the Gods and the crimes of our enemies summon us! The crime is now cast!" In light of this fateful deed, Caesar also became the first man daring to defy this ancient roman law. Of course, as always, Julius Caesar kept on fighting and the Roman civil war became one of his many conquests and accomplishments.

Upon the end of the war, he took over the government completely and essentially became a tyrant. He was declared, "dictator in perpetuity," which means emperor for life and basically thought to be God. He had access and power over the bureaucracy, as well as initiating many new social and government reforms. His own "Julian calendar" was a notable alteration, which all the citizens were expected to use.


There were plenty of people who opposed his rule and outright disregard for Roman laws.Eventually, his controlling, ambitious attitude led to his assassination on March 15, 44 B.C, by a group of senators led by a man named Marcus Brutus. Because of this, even more drama and strife was aroused and new civil wars took place. Julius's great- nephew, Octavian was given the privilege of taking his uncle's place as governor, when he beat his adversaries in one of these civil wars. The start of his reign kindled the beginning of the Roman empire era, and an end to the old constitutional form of government.










Question 1: What was the Augustan Settlement? How did Augustus balance his perceived need for absolute power with his concern to lend the impression that the republic had been restored and the old ways were being observed?

English Essay, "Sinners In The Hands of An Angry God"

Question: If you had heard both these sermons, would you have thought you were the target?
If I was in the congregation, I would definitely think I was the recipient of anger and rage. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Whitfield had the keen ability to to cast a spell over everyone and make them all feel guilty. It doesn't matter how holy or righteous they see themselves, in his eyes they are evil and done for. This is the overall message of the sermon, which is reinstated over and over again. Gloom and doom seem to be the prevalent themes that Jonathan writes on. It gets to a rather ridiculous, annoying point and is very repetitious to say the least. The sermon leaves little, if any room for hope or mercy whatsoever. The writers don't paint a happy picture and leaves a terrifying imprint on anyone who listens to/reads it.


The sermons both echo a feeling of despair and hopelessness, with impending doom ready to descend on one and all. These Great Awakening preachers both firmly believed that if you thought you were saved from hell, you were more than likely going there! It's stated thoroughly that more than a few will be shocked on the day of judgment, when their works are deemed filthy rags. Any goodness or morality you have is disgusting in the eyes of the omnipotent one.According to Edwards and Whitfield, he won't hesitate to cast your soul into hell for eternity. No one is safe from his wrath, as he is almighty and all-powerful, capable of doing anything he pleases.


There is no peace or mercy, once someone has been sentenced to this fiery abyss. It is only be God's grace, that this eternal misery is not yet our fate.  Just because we are not in a physical hell yet doesn't mean that God isn't angry with us. We are no better off here on earth, than the millions of lost souls already separate from God. The goal of the ministers was to invoke an overwhelming sense of fear and despair on their congregations; so they'd realize the pitiful condition of their souls. They wanted people to repent and admit their worthlessness without God. True salvation came when they turned from their evil,sinful ways, renouncing them and surrendering their lives.

The illusion of of their so-called" salvation" need to be shattered, held under the microscope of the truth. If they were to be rescued, they needed to reexamine themselves and recommit themselves to an intimate relationship with God. Their fake piety and outward devoutness to religion was nothing, without a real, manifest love for their maker.
The point of these discourses was for people to conclude that they were all transgressors,and bow
in humble admission of their guilt. Their regret should be a stepping stone to push them to let go of their pride and give everything to God.

note: originally due November 15th

11/14.16: Western Civilization Short Essay

2. Why did Tiberius Gracchus attract so much suspicion from the Roman Senate?

Tiberius was a rather impulsive, headstrong individual who didn't heed the rules and traditions of his elders. In fact, he blatantly disregarded them on many an occasion. First off, he insisted on ignoring the fact that one must have the approval of the Senate before passing a bill. He decided to go directly to the tribune, in order to ask permission. He wanted to change the land commission, which stated that land could only be owned by the wealthy. Tiberius's plan was to make property open to the poor as well. In this way more citizens could join the military and assist their country in war(it was illegal to join the army without being a landowner).


Although he might have gotten his bill approved, Tiberius ruined his chances by the methods he used. The senators were dismayed by his utter disobedience and refused to support it. Naturally he was furious when the bill passed and no one would fund it. Then the Persian Empire gifted Rome with some land and Tiberius went on to fund his own way with tax revenues! Of course this was also contrary to Rome's financial regulations and only generated a growing mistrust for him.

Tiberius's co-tribune, Marcus Octavius was affected by the Senate to veto the bill, which he consented to. In a fit of rage, Tiberious threatened to throw him out of the Senate if he didn't resign. This was another direct violation of rules and Octavious wouldn't listen to his tribune. This resulted in his eventual removal.As a final act of defiance, Tiberus ran for tribune again, which went against Rome's one-term policy. 

He met a sad end and was eventually killed, going down in history as the first political figure to rebel against Roman tradition.

500 Word Essay: Theopolis Americana

If I was a member of the general court, I probably wouldn't find anything offensive in this message. When Cotton Mather composed it, many of his ideas/beliefs were already accepted and practiced by the Puritans. Mather didn't believe that the Puritans should drink alcohol or get drunk, as this was a sin. He was also against kidnapping men to be slaves, because it wasn't moral or Christian. He praised New England Judges for their decisions regarding the Salem Witch Trials. He supported the idea that Christ couldn't return, until all the Jews were converted. To back up this theory, Cotton attempted to make up Biblical prophecies and apply them to America.


He thought that New England would be a part of God's kingdom, but not the center of it or the"New Jerusalem". However Mather wasn't a true Christian in that he never mentioned Jesus's rule or dominance as a King over the earth So he disagreed with his theological friend, Joseph Mead who said the Devil would be in charge of the Western Hemisphere. Mead also maintained that it would be a worldwide expansion of the kingdom of God.


In many of Mather's sermons, he advocated an anti-Catholic viewpoint, even saying that the Pope was the anti-christ. This is why, according to him, the Catholic church had to be abolished for Jesus to return.He had a one-track mind that basically said the Puritan way was the only real,true path to follow. Europe and the colonies were the center of his attention and he thought they were specially chosen by God.

Western Civilization Essay 11.7.16

Writing assignment (choose two of the following):

1. What is the difference between the liberty of the ancients and the liberty of the moderns? What would moderns find lacking in ancient liberty? 2. Plutarch tells about an important episode in Alexander's life. What characteristics is it intended to show? 3. What, in Plutarch's opinion, makes a "great man"? Is Alexander great? 4. Based on the Principal Doctrines, explain the basic ideas of Epicureanism.



Topic One: What is the difference between the liberty of the ancients and the liberty of the moderns?What would moderns find lacking in ancient liberty? The ancient's idea of liberty was the freedom to make political decisions and decide what rulers governed them and so forth. They had no concept whatsoever of the individual freedoms that we Americans enjoy today. Being able to have a voice heard amidst the thousands of citizens was the only thing of value to them. The Greeks treasured the ability to choose what laws they were governed by and who was in charge of their city-states. Yet they never stopped to consider how different life was without democracy. Nowadays, Americans would be shocked at the lack of self-government in old times. There was no freedom to speak or act as you liked or rights to your home, family, or personal property. You couldn't hire a lawyer to defend you in an unfair case, where you might be accused of something you never did.

For instance, in Greece you could be banished for 10 years, just because they suspected you might cause trouble! Back then, they didn't have to have any evidence to back their claims. So you could be virtually innocent of any crimes and still be unjustly treated and sent away. They could separate you from your wife/husband or children and take your property if they pleased, without reason. But these were just facts of life in Athenian times that were largely overlooked. The Athenians appreciated only their political independence. They were allowed to; discuss matters of state and make alliances with foreign governments, investigate magistrates, or pronounce judgements. Sadly they were ignorant of what they were missing as far as individual freedom goes. They had no say in any other aspect of life, other than politics.We should be thankful in today's modern, enlightened world that we can enjoy civil liberties and not have them taken from us.


Topic Two: Epicureanism is a form of philosophy, created by the Greek philosopher, Epicurus. It's core belief is that one's goal/aim in life should be to pursue pleasure, in all it's forms. Epicurus stated that a human being should focus on experiencing as much pleasure in their lifetime, as possible. However he didn't promote overindulgence in any physical/mental gratification.He did say that it wasn't healthy to give full vent to desires, as that would result in remorse and pain. Overeating or getting drunk would be considered wrong, because they were contrary to moderation. Seeking pleasure and also procuring knowledge eventually led to a state of peace, or an absence of fear(in greek"atoroxia") and an absence of body pain(in greek"aponia").
                                                                                     
As far as religion goes, Epicurus and his followers believed in the gods; but didn't think they had any affect on humanity. They questioned the existence of a higher spirit or deity, especially their relation to anything crucial in the world. If a God did exist,why didn't he prevent evil and suffering? Did his power allow him to do so but he refused out of spite? Or was he just weak and incapable of destroying pain? Epicurus is commonly thought to be an atheist, because of these questioning views. He thought the gods are immoral and better than us, but didn't hold that they cared at all about our well-being and happiness.

500 Word Essay(English): In what ways was William Penn an advocate of middle class morality?

William Penn's was perhaps the biggest advocate of middle class morality. He took a very neutral stand-point on most things concerning this topic, however. He was never an extremist, favoring one end of the spectrum or another. For instance, he didn't think it was okay for someone to squander all their wealth, like the prodigal son in Matthew. But he found it unacceptable to hoard all of one's money and be a miser. This viewpoint is commonly called Accumulation Vs. Prodigality. He also stood in the middle of the argument "adventurism vs. caution." He believed one should take risks in business and so forth, but not be too reckless or dangerous. Finding a happy medium was the best solution to every case/problem in life, according to William. When it came to charity, he was definitely not opposed to those who choose not to give to other people.  He wasn't of the opinion that one was obligated to donate money, unless they felt led to. But if he saw someone who purposely turned a blind eye to suffering, that angered him and was deemed cruel and selfish.

Penn had some strong opinions on how the middle class should view material things, like food and clothes. When it came to eating, he said people shouldn't overeat or indulge in more food than they needed, "hunger vs. satiation". He also argued for, "fashion vs.rags" . William Penn's conviction was that the middle class shouldn't bother with following after the latest fashions and trends. Rather he upheld that they should dress simply and not busy themselves trying to be stylish and wear jewels and so forth. Middle class people played significant roles in society and were very influential and important. Because of this, Penn was extremely specific about how they should conduct themselves. Their behavior would be watched and modeled more carefully, than lower classes. They were blessed with a lot of wealth and position, so they had to be careful how they spent their money/lived their lives.