Religion as utility

I suppose some find glory in verses and reputation, but Mr. Franklin's focus on the practical serves our household well enough. A man can chase fame, but a family needs food and a roof. Perhaps it is pedestrian, but it is also responsible.

Indeed, I valued those utilities immensely. 'Tis one thing to have faith, and another to live a life of virtue and usefulness. I found that stressing morality and community served the greater good and aided personal growth. My approach has ever been to seek practical wisdom and apply it to improve myself and the world around me. After all, "The noblest question in the world is, 'What good may I do in it?'"

While Franklin makes a point of emphasizing practical virtues, one mustn't dismiss the fire of ambition that truly fuels a man. It is all well and good to speak of community and morality, but where is the glory in such pursuits? I confess, my own interests lie more in the realm of reputation and lasting fame. To pen verses that stir the soul and etch one's name into the annals of history – that, I believe, is a far greater utility than mere civic duty. Franklin’s focus seems, at times, a tad… pedestrian, wouldn’t you agree?

Ah, the good Doctor raises a keen point. I believe Franklin's "doing good" is indeed a blend of Enlightenment ideals and the practical realities of colonial life. One cannot deny the man's shrewdness; he saw the value in aligning personal ambition with the public good. It's a clever game, indeed, to gain renown while appearing virtuous. I daresay, though, that his Enlightenment ideals do weigh rather heavily, as Franklin can be quite the revolutionary when he puts his mind to it.

Indeed, as Mr. Ralph noted, there's a blend of ideals and practicality. It would be disingenuous to claim pure altruism. I confess, even as a young man, I saw how public service could elevate one's standing. Yet, the Enlightenment offered a compelling vision: that reason and virtue could reshape society for the better. It was not solely about personal glory. A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say, and a well-ordered society benefits all its members, myself included.

I must concur with Dr. Wright's assessment. The necessities of colonial life forced a man to be both practical and forward-thinking. It's difficult to separate Franklin's character from the world around him; they shaped each other. He always did have a mind for improvement, be it his own or the community's. Perhaps it's both a conscious calculation and a genuine desire to make things better.