The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Au Essays - Virtue

The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Au Essays - Virtue The Quest For Moral Perfection (Analysis Of The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin) The Quest for Moral Perfection Benjamin Franklin is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in American history. The numerous advancements contributed by Franklin were made possible by a lot of work on his part. His outlook is best represented by his famous quote, Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of. Franklin did not sway from that philosophy, and spent little time at leisure, as it was not productive. Franklins work ethic, moral outlook, and constant interest in self-improvement throughout his life are his biggest claims to fame. Franklins strict adherence to his thirteen virtues-which he created in his pursuit of moral perfection-is responsible for many of his countless contributions to the colonies. Very important to Franklins life, was the little book he carried on his person at all times. In this book, he charted on a day to day basis, which virtues he had not obeyed, and marked a check for each mistake. Franklin set aside one week per virtue, and ordered his virtues such that whenever perfection in a virtue was attained, it would make achieving the following virtue easier. Franklin found that he had much to improve upon. Another ingredient to Franklins recipe for greatness was his daily schedule. Franklin divided his day up by the hour and knew what he was to be doing at all times. This he found difficult at times, and involving the virtue Order, at one time he almost gave up. In one of Franklin's few pessimistic moments, he is quoted as saying, This article (order) therefore cost me so much painful attention, and my faults in it vexed me so muchthat I was almost ready to give up the attempt and content myself with a faulty character in that respect. An amusing anecdote about a man who concludes that a speckled axe is best follows, and in looking back on his life, Franklin demonstrates his mastery of the thirteenth virtue, Humility. Even before he set his thirteen virtues to writing, Franklin could be seen demonstrating many of them. In one instance involving his friend Collins, Franklin demonstrates Resolution, Justice, and Sincerity. During a voyage, Collins refuses to row, and Franklin resolves to perform what he must. An argument ensued, and Franklin, knowing that Collins was a good swimmer, decided the only course of action would be to throw him overboard. He was in a clear state of mind the whole time, and did absolutely nothing that he would regret later on. Temperance was also a virtue that Franklin had practiced his entire life. He was never a heavy drinker, and always ate in moderation. Franklin prided himself on being an excellent debater, and while creating his virtues, he added Silence as a guide to others explaining one reason he was such an excellent crafter of argument. 2. Silence- Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation. Franklin means for others not to get caught up in petty squabbles, but rather to speak only to that which is important, and when doing so, only to benefit the other party. When you mix the Silence virtue with the Sincerity virtue, which Franklin is quoted as meaning Use no harmful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly. you will become well respected, and a very powerful arguer. Franklin himself was both, and through trials, tribulations, and experience, sets forth these very useful tools of debate. The two virtues that Franklin was exceptionally good at were Industry and Frugality. 6. Industry- Lose not time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions. There was not one time after his childhood during which Franklin was not employed, or at the very least, seeking work. The little leisure time Franklin allowed himself was spent in the pursuit of self-education, by reading books or engaging in conversation or argument with a friend. During most of his life he held down many jobs throughout the city, and had other money coming in from the numerous print shops he had gone into partnership and paid the overhead costs for. 5.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Entering Writing Contests Naturally youd love to win a prize for your writing. Most writers crave affirmation and reward, and like everyone else, you need money. You proof your work, read the guidelines, and submit Well yes and no. Things arent quite as simple as that, and here are some pitfalls to avoid. Ive made pretty much all of these mistakes over the years and when I stopped doing them, I won 20 writing contests. DONT: 1. Read only How to Enter page but not the Terms and Conditions and FAQs pages. On the How to Enter page youve been told to write a story up to 2,000 words on the theme of Whatever, and email it. Who could blame you if you do just that? Unfortunately vital information often hides on other pages. In the Terms and Conditions, for instance, you may find that entries have to be in a certain font. In the FAQs you may find that stories containing profanity will be disqualified. Check every page on the site that pertains to the competition. Its a pain, but it saves wasting your time. 2. Proof your piece in too short a time. Youve proofread your work. In fact youve read it through six times! Great, but did you read it six times one after the other? If theres time before the deadline, leave the piece for a week or longer so that you can proofread with fresh eyes. Even then theres a danger of seeing what you meant to write rather than what you actually wrote. Ideally youre fixed up with a writing comp buddy, and you proof each others comp entries. 3. Forget to check the time zone. You know the deadline, but make check the time zone. If its GMT and youre on EPT, find out when exactly you need to get your entry in. Its very frustrating to miss out 4. Send your elegant sonnet to a competition that likes heartwarming tales of people who overcome lifes obstacles, or vice versa. If its the inaugural year of the competition you may have no precise theme or detailed instructions to go on. In that case, gauge the tone and style of the website and research the judges. If the competition has run in previous years, read the winners. Youre unlikely to win with a clone of a winning piece from last year, but youll understand the type of writing the judges like. 5. Logic yourself out of entering. Youve written the piece, followed the guidelines, and read the rules and FAQs. Youve proofed your entry. Then you have a thought sequence that goes something like this: There will be thousands of entrants. Is it really worth it? Logically, its a waste of time entering. You dont enter, convinced that youve been sensible. Have you, though? If theres an entry fee and you cant afford it, then yes. If you know of a better home for your piece, then yes. Otherwise, no. Your piece may not win, but you dont know how many entries there will be in even a free competition. One that I won had just 20 entrants. And you never know how you compare to the talent of the other writers. You just might be the cream of the crop!