Personal Freedom and Independence The Works of Benjamin...

Personal Freedom and Independence in the Works of Benjamin Franklin and Henry Thoreau It is an undisputable fact that the contribution of such prominent philosophers, writers, political and social activists as Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreau in developing American statehood is tremendous. The literary works of both men can serve as a manifesto of national and personal liberation, a call for building a better society, where each citizen can live and work freely. Indeed, both Henry Thoreau and Benjamin Franklin emphasize the independence and freedom of an individual, but they do so in significantly different ways. These differences can be linked to their different worldview, life positions, philosophies, or interests.†¦show more content†¦Thus, the philosopher does not directly argue that God’s foreordainment can be ignored by any human being, who is to exert the will of Lord (Houston 67). Nevertheless, the writer cannot agree with the fact that all individual s lack liberty, free will and even ability to perform or refuse to perform a certain action. Furthermore, Benjamin Franklin defends the naturalness of human liberty. He notes that â€Å"by Liberty is sometimes understood the Absence of Opposition† (qtd. in Houston 143). Consequently, what people consider personal independence or freedom sometimes can be characterized as the absence of interference or obstacles, and, in this sense, it can be argued that all our actions are consequences of our freedom. Nonetheless, this freedom can be compared with the behavior of a rigid body falling to the ground. Evidently, this body is free to fall, and this means that it does not meet with anything that would prevent it from falling down. At the same time, every person is aware of the fact that the heavy body must inevitably fall, as it â€Å"has no Power or Liberty to remain suspended† (qtd. in Houston 147). Thus, by this apt metaphor the author rejects the religious dogma of divine intervention in the natural course of events in society and nature. Without denying the mora l content of Christianity, Benjamin Franklin argues, however, that the norms of morality, asShow MoreRelatedHow Education Should Be Structured Essay2015 Words   |  9 PagesAmerica, education has been shaped and molded time and time again with each movement of North American history. Most early American literature was persevered not in the form of novels, but in letters, diary and journal entries, and memoirs. These works often focused on the daily struggle of the author and the author’s love for God even in straining situations. The Pilgrims, as well as the Puritans, believed that a firm education was necessary for all children. 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