M. Gaurav Singh
114006240
Development of the US I
Term Paper
Threes Company Franklin, Douglass, and Singh
The moving and inspirational narratives of Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass
are comprised of a series of life events in which they encounter hardships and setbacks. The
adversity both men faced played integral roles in shaping their lives and propelling them into
becoming prominent figures in American history. Douglass' personal account dramatizes his
quest to escape enslavement and to shape an identity for himself outside the caste and constraints
of slavery. His autobiography also focuses on his individual development as an enslaved man
who eventually gains freedom. On the other hand, Franklin demonstrates that anyone in this
world can earn prosperity, economic security, and community respect through hard work and
honest dealings with others. Both Benjamin Franklin and Frederick Douglass portray their rise
from poverty and adversity to become renowned figures in American society. By reading these
autobiographies and reflecting on my personal life experiences, I have learned that I share many
similarities with these great Americans.
Both Franklin and Douglass were self-taught and became successful later in their lives.
This dedication was a major source of Franklins success and was a trait that became
indispensible in his life. Many consider Franklin to be one of the greatest American minds, and
a proud pillar of our national heritage. He represented and characterized the American dream.
The term American dream is commonly thought to consist of traditional social ideals of the
United States. These principles can be equality, democracy, freedom, education and material
prosperity. Particularly for Douglass, the American dream is the desire to for freedom,
education, material wealth and social equality. In Douglass mind, education was the steppingstone for power. With a proper education, both men would gain the power needed to advance up
the social ladder and become enlightened Americans. Born to a candle maker, few people would
have surmised that Franklin would master so many disciplines. His inspirational story proves
that with determination and dedication, success is possible and attainable in any environment. A
leading American statesman, inventor, philanthropist, publisher, revolutionary, and thinker,
Benjamin Franklin was truly the Enlightened American.
Douglass, like Franklin, was also a very determined man. When Douglass was a slave,
he was initially taught to read by his owners wife, Mrs. Auld. But when her husband found out,
he forbade it, and stopped her from teaching him. Despite this setback, Douglass had a
revelation when he overheard Mr. Auld explain to his wife that an educated slave was dangerous
to the social structure. Douglass stated, "I now understood what had been to me a most
perplexing difficulty - to wit, the white man's power to enslave the black man.... From that
moment, I understood the pathway from slavery to freedom" (Douglass 78). Based on this
explanation, Douglass knew that to achieve the results Mr. Auld spoke of, he would have to
teach himself to read. From that moment on, Douglass was determined to be literate so that he
could better his chances of escaping the burdens of slavery. He studied at every opportunity he
had and learned from the white playmates he met on the street. Douglass carried bread with him
to give to the poor and hungry in exchange for their help in learning how to read. He also
learned to write by copying the letters from Webster's Spelling Book and practiced by using the
old writing books of his owners son. Franklin and Douglass both believe that education is
necessary if one is to gain social power. The end goal in pursuing education is to possess the
tools needed to advance upward in society. Most of the elites in society have a substantial
amount of education, which is reflected by their social status. Both men believe that the
American dream can only be attained through a solid education. This belief is translated into
their actions as they pursue intellectual and material prosperity. Through their dedication and
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determination to better themselves, Douglass and Franklin both represent enlightened America.
Like Franklin and Douglass, I regard myself as a determined individual. As a senior in
college now, I have been a dedicated student for many years. Continuously attending classes,
writing papers, and studying, demonstrates my will to better myself and pursue my bachelors
degree. This determination has also given me the opportunity to pursue my Masters degree in
International Relations at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, beginning in the fall. My
determination was tested a few years ago as well, before attending Rutgers University. In 2006,
the New Jersey state government, along with Rutgers University officials, decided to eliminate
the Mens Varsity tennis team, in addition to six other sports. As a leading member of the
Varsity tennis team, I was appalled by the actions of the local political leaders, especially since
this reduction merely transferred the savings to fund the construction of a new stadium for the
high-profile football program. The elimination of the six sports, along with the dashed dreams
and aspirations of hundreds of athletes, angered me, but at the same time motivated me to
continue my dreams of playing tennis. Like Franklin and Douglass, I plan to use my education
as a platform for greater opportunities. After postgraduate study, I hope to use my gained
knowledge and experience to work for an International maritime company in London. Similar to
the attitudes of Franklin and Douglass, I also believe that my determination and resiliency
throughout my life so far, has forged my character and ultimately made me a stronger person.
Another similarity that Franklin and Douglass share with me is their belief and views on
religion. Although we probably do not share the same religion, their understanding of faith and
the way they approached the concept is quite comparable to mine. Franklins parents had taught
him Religious Impressions, but he chose to become a thorough Deist. He received religious
training, but his good sense and his humane nature forced him to rebel against the irrational and
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inhuman doctrine of his parents' faith. At an early age he developed a spirit of skepticism, as the
following extract from his Autobiography demonstrates. My parents had given me betimes
religious impressions, and I received from my infancy a pious education in the principles of
Calvinism. But scarcely was I arrived at fifteen years of age, when, after having doubted in turn
of different tenets, according as I found them combated in the different books that I read, I began
to doubt of Revelation itself (Franklin 73). Franklin pondered a lot about his religious beliefs,
which centered on the proper conduct for daily life. The matters that he understood to be the
most important of all were Truth, Sincerity, and Integrity in Dealings between Man and Man.
He believed that any religion that fostered moral conduct should be respected.
To Douglass, religion was a very important element throughout his life. At the lowest
point in his life, he spoke silently to God. He said, I am left in the hottest hell of unending
slavery. O God save me! God, deliver me! Let me be free!(Douglass 106). He believed in a
God who would eventually show him the path to freedom. However, Douglass made it clear that
he was only against the religion of slaveholders. For Douglass, their religion was far removed
from the Christianity of Christ because to be a Christian required one to reject slavery.
I believe that Religion should be a combination of both their beliefs. My family has
taught me to believe that there is a God and in order to worship God, it is essential to foster a
moral conduct. In the Sikh religion, there is a strong emphasis placed on good moral character
and in being a decent human being. One of the key tenets of Sikhism is the notion of being
reborn in the afterlife. The belief is that if a person lives their life as a decent person with good
moral character and possesses the traits that Franklin cherishes, he or she will be reborn into
something magnificent in their afterlife. I share similarities with Douglass beliefs as well.
Douglass rests his future in God to show him the path to freedom. Throughout my life, my
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family has taught me that there is only so much in this world that we can control; and God
controls the rest. We must work hard and control what we can, but eventually God intends for
things to happen. These things may seem like obstacles at first, but they will surely shape and
define my character. Perhaps Douglass being a slave was Gods way of shaping his character
and making him resilient to endure future struggles in his life.
Frederick Douglass realized that money was a necessary key to freedom. As a result, he
was very meticulous in the way he spent and saved money. When he was a slave, Douglass
made deal a with his owner, Hugh Auld, that he hire his time. In return for a set amount per
week, Douglass gained the liberty of finding work; anything he made over the amount he
promised to Auld, was his to keep. Douglass said, I bent myself to the work of making money. I
was ready to work at night as well as day, and by the most untiring perseverance and industry, I
made enough to meet my expenses, and lay up a little money every week (Douglass 143).
Douglass was a believer in enterprise and capitalism and was determined to earn enough money
for his escape to freedom. For him, money and success led to civil and political rights. He urged
Black slaves to save their money, advising them that, Every dollar you lay up, represents one
days independence, one day of rest and security in the future (Douglass 140).
Benjamin Franklin strongly believed in the common expression "A Penny Saved is a
Penny Earned. He considered industry as a Means of obtaining Wealth and Distinction
(Franklin 120). Out of the thirteen virtues Franklin had believed in, frugality was one of them.
He explained frugality as, Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. waste
nothing (Franklin 135). According to him, one must "Beware of little expenses; a small leak
will sink a great ship (Franklin 130). He opened up a print shop in Philadelphia and worked
day and night to save enough money to pay back his debts. Franklin despised being in debt and
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felt that the only way to be released from poverty was through hard work, thrift and honesty.
Both Franklin and Douglass shared similar views in dealing with money. Both their
ideologies are a real inspiration to me, especially Franklins theory about a thrifty and inventive
character. I realized that these are the characteristics required to become successful and debt free
in this world. Creativity is a big part of the process in learning to make do with less, save a little
whenever we can, and find unique solutions to the situations we are in. My parents have instilled
in me the importance of being mindful when spending. They have also taught me that in order to
be successful in todays world, one must be willing to take risks and be unique. This is
evidenced by the unique success stories of companies that had their start in basements or garages
and are now multi-national corporations. After reading Franklin and Douglass accounts and
views on money, it struck me that they are absolutely correct in their actions and financial
dealings. I hope that I can use their advice as I progress into my professional life.
Perhaps the one area that Franklin, Douglass and I differ in is their experience in political
life. Benjamin Franklin wore many political hats in his life and was an influential figure in
American politics. It was during the Stamp Act crisis that Franklin evolved from leader of a
shattered provincial party's faction to a celebrated spokesman for American rights in London.
He also served on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence and was elected as
first president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. His final
political and public act was the signing of a memorial to Congress, recommending dissolution of
the slavery system.
Douglass was also a leading spokesperson for the abolition of slavery and for racial
equality. He continued his active involvement to better the lives of African Americans. This
was accomplished in part by conferring with Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and
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recruiting northern blacks for the Union Army. After the War, he fought for the rights of women
and African Americans, giving him the nickname the father of the civil rights movement.
Frederick Douglass was one of historys most influential black leaders, and the first AfricanAmerican civil rights leader of national prominence.
I have not had the experiences in the political arena that Franklin and Douglass had, but I
have held some leadership positions in the past. Although not on the grand scale of Franklin and
Douglass, I held the position of Vice President of the Rutgers club tennis team. I wish that I had
held some political positions in high school so that I could have gained more experience and
confidence in my public speaking skills. My family and I were not particularly involved in
politics but when I entered college, my desire for international affairs influenced my family to
pay more attention to global political issues. My closest experience to holding a political
position was an intern and campaign assistant for a Pennsylvania State Senate campaign last
summer. With this experience, I fully understood the determination and character one needs to
hold office as a politician. Franklin and Douglass certainly possessed the character and
resiliency to become influential leaders in American politics.
Frederick Douglass and Benjamin Franklin were truly self-made men. A self-made man
is one who creates opportunities by themselves with limited or restricted chances to succeed.
This notion of the self-made man is deeply rooted in the American dream. Franklin and
Douglass became self-made men by overcoming societal and financial barriers. Their definition
of the self-made man is very similar. Like Franklin, Douglass stresses the low origins of the
self-made man, who has not inherited his social position by birth or other favorable
circumstances, but who achieves everything without any external assistance. With this process,
Franklin and Douglass created identities for themselves that people will always remember them
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for. By adhering to his virtues, Franklin creates an identity using several factors from his life.
He was the youngest son of seventeen children, a writer, apprentice, businessman, traveler,
explorer, entrepreneur, inventor, scientist, husband, father, postmaster, government official,
delegate, and a founding father of the United States.
Being denied numerous opportunities in life, and even uncertain as to the date of his
birth, Frederick Douglass took destiny into his own hands and attained greatness from the
humblest of beginnings. In seeking to change the course of American social development,
Douglass relied on a steady moral compass that favored solid principles that the American
people ought to be free, equal, and racially integrated. Benjamin Franklin also started from
modest beginnings, but through hard work, perseverance, and the will to achieve success, he
quickly propelled himself into becoming one of Americas most beloved heroes. Being "Self
made" in Franklins view, is more than getting rich; it is making oneself into the person one
wants to be. This is accomplished with a deeply fueled drive for complete self-mastery,
complete self-control, and moral perfection. Perhaps the main difference between our lives is
that I have been blessed with overwhelming support from my family, friends and teammates.
Franklin and Douglass did not have the vast support to achieve their dreams that I have, and this
forced them to become self-made men. I would characterize myself as a man made from my
supportive surroundings. Ten years from now, when I look back on my life, I will be able to
attribute my success to those who supported me. This is a luxury that Franklin and Douglass did
not possess, but as a result, it did shape their lives.
Upon reading the narratives, I was very impressed with the way Franklin conducted
himself; from being an indentured servant in his brothers shop to becoming an illustrious
American idol. His thirteen virtues are inspirational reminders that we should all seek to better
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ourselves in every way. Douglass narrative was initially disturbing to read because I could not
understand the notion of one human being treating another human in such an inhuman way. I
felt sorry for Douglass in his struggles and was glad to see that he was blessed with greatness.
Having an Indian heritage, I have been accustomed to a society where servants are part of
everyday life. Because my grandparents were high ranking military officers in the Indian army,
there would constantly be servants and cooks in the house. Although I was young, I remember
that my parents and grandparents were kind to our servants. However, I have also seen people
who are cruel to them, and that made me feel quite sorry for them. Douglass story reminded me
of those mean people, who treated their servants inhumanly. Every time I go to visit family in
India, I make it my duty to be nice to these servants because I understand the struggles they go
through each day. The narratives of Franklin and Douglass have given me insight into the
difficulties of their lives. I hope that I can use their experiences and apply it to my career goals
as well as my ambition to live a happy and successful life.
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Bibliography
Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave. Penguin
Group Inc, USA, 1982.
Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Bedford/St. Martins, New York,
2003.
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