Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin's aphorism 'God helps them that help themselves' reflects his values of self-motivation and self-discipline. He stresses the responsibility to use one's wealth and talents for the common good, emphasizing virtues like thrift and industriousness in his writings and personal initiatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the aphorism "God helps them that help themselves," found in Poor Richard's Almanack, it can be inferred that Franklin values self-motivation and self-discipline. This aligns with the broader Enlightenment idea of self-improvement and the notion of republican virtue, which emphasized that personal morality and good behavior, including hard work, would lead to success. Franklin's own success as a printer, his philanthropic efforts, and his advocacy for self-education and improvement through institutions like libraries and philosophical societies showcase the practical application of this belief. Franklin's thirteen virtues for character development specifically highlighted qualities such as thrift, industriousness, and sincerity, reinforcing the value of personal effort.
In addressing the question of inherited wealth, Franklin, who himself was a self-made man, would likely stress the importance of using wealth responsibly and productively, as evidenced by philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie who promoted the idea that the wealthy should live modestly and organize benefactions that offer lasting benefits to society. This view is underpinned by the belief that even in cases of financial prosperity that was not personally earned, one should nonetheless actively contribute to the public good.
The factors that Franklin may ignore in his viewpoint include structural inequalities, the different starting points of individuals in society, and the various life circumstances that could prevent people from being able to help themselves despite their desire to do so. However, his overall message would remain focused on self-reliance, personal effort, and the pursuit of character and virtue.