Benjamin Franklin's the Art of Virtue: His Formula for Successful Living (Paperback)

~ (Author), George L. Rogers (Editor) "Rung by rung, Benjamin Franklin slowly but surely climbed the ladder of success..." (more)
Key Phrases: perspirable matter, thine axe, most acceptable service, The Art of Virtue, Poor Richard, Benjamin Franklin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Franklin conceived of this book at the age of 26 but never actually got around to writing it. In 1986, editor George Rogers completed the task by gleaning Franklin's thoughts on the subject from his various writings. We could all use a little virtue these days, so libraries would do well to stock this volume.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Perhaps more than any other 18th century notable, Franklin grappled with the 'codes of behavior' as they applied to the individual's place in the universe--how one might reach his or her potential for a meaningful existence in a world of uncertainty...I highly recommend the Art of Virtue to anyone concerned with self-improvement, or simply curious about what made Franklin tick." -- Roy E. Goodman, Curator, American Philosophical Society

In 1732, at the age of 26, Benjamin Franklin conceived the idea of writing a guide for living that he named "The Art of Virtue". Although he nurtured this idea of a book for the next fifty years, Franklin never completed the work before he died. 250 years later, George Rogers discovered a set of Franklin's writings in an old mansion in Tarrytown, New York. Inspired by what Franklin had to say, and believing his ideas to be of general benefit to all people, Rogers researched and organized Franklin's writings into the book Franklin had intended to write. The rather impressive result is Benjamin Franklin's The Art Of Virtue. This compendium of the famous wit and wisdom of Ben Franklin is as apt today as it was in the colonial era of our nation's founding. Benjamin Franklin's The Art Of Virtue is appropriate reading (and study) for all ages, in all conditions and walks of life. Benjamin Franklin's The Art Of Virtue is a yet another of Benjamin Franklin's many treasured legacies to the American people. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Acorn Publishing; 3 Sub edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938399101
• ISBN-13: 978-0938399100
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,050 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looking for a mental challenge? Look no further., April 2, 2000

By	Edward Yang (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

I saw this book one day when I was browsing Franklin Covey planners in the mall. It had been awhile since I read something not business related so I thought I'd give this a shot. I'll be honest when I tell you I enjoy a good read but this book took me about one year to read from beginning to end. The first few chapters weren't too bad but then it got into a section about a debate between two philosophers on the definition of virtue and why one should practice a virtuous life. I've never read anything that mentally straining in my life (my degree is in Mechanical Engineering BTW). I enjoy the arts but that one section took me about a month before I could fully digest what the philosophers were saying in the span of less than 2 pages. This one section proved so enlightening that my head hurt for about 2 days after I had a chance to chew on the content. If you had any doubts that the founding forefathers of this great nation were anything but geniuses, this should dispell any and all myths. I must say that I even had to break out the dictionary for some of the diction used in this book in that it was definitely not your everyday conversational english. If you enjoy mental challenges of a higher level and your mastery of the English language is proficient enough to understand the fine nuances of sentence structure and double, sometimes triple meanings, I would recommend this book. If you're looking for something a little more entertaining and easier on the mind, then definitely look somewhere else. But I will admit, when I did finally complete this book one year later, I actually felt a major sense of accomplishment. I guess that makes me just a little more virtuous?

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A primer in basic American values. Insightful, witty, genius, April 29, 1999

By A Customer

If you ever doubted the basis upon which our great country is built, read the ideals of one of its creators. Benjamin Franklin demonstrates that his contribution to the creation of the United States was purposeful. I am now jealous of the resource that Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Washington, et. al. had when he added to their discourse. The Art of Virtue organizes and describes Franklin's perception of a virtuous life, defines happiness by his own values, and shows how every person has the power to pursue a virtuous life to become a happy person. Those famous inalienable rights which Jefferson quoted in the Declaration of Independence come alive with Franklin's wit and wisdom. It is not often I acknowledge a wise man, but Franklin was no doubt an oracle in the field of character. Most impressively, this wisdom is just as applicable today as it was 200 or 2000 years ago.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The "Right Way", October 17, 2000

By	Karina A. Suarez (Walt Disney World, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A book like this should be mandatory reading for everyone. Particularly people who represent other people's interests for a living, such as World Leaders, Presidents, Kings, etc., would find it absolutely useful; a kind of constant tool, a compass that keeps them on the right track once and again. This is a book that shows not only Franklin's wit and wisdom, but also his vulnerability, that wonderful human quality, thus making it enchanting and insightful. Buy this book, learn and practice these principles, and enjoy the new breath of fresh air you'll experience in your life.