Question

In "The Autobiography," Franklin believes that he can become a better person. What does this belief tell you about how he sees himself?

A) He sees himself as inherently flawed.
B) He sees himself as incapable of change.
C) He sees himself as having the potential for self-improvement.
D) He sees himself as perfect and without need for improvement.

Answer 1

Benjamin Franklin viewed himself as capable of self-improvement, which reflects his Enlightenment values and his commitment to personal morality and ethical living as seen in his thirteen virtues for character development. The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin's belief that he can become a better person suggests that he sees himself as having the potential for self-improvement. This perspective aligns with the Enlightenment values of personal growth and individual morality that Franklin embraced. He strived for self-perfection, as evidenced by his formulation of thirteen virtues for character development, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and ethical living.

Franklin's autobiography and the virtues he espoused reflect the ideal of the American Dream, where hard work and virtuous behavior can lead to success. However, Franklin's focus on self-improvement does not necessarily account for external factors such as inherited wealth or societal obstacles, which might impede or ease an individual's path to success.