Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography and the Declaration of Independence both embody many Enlightenment ideas that have become foundational pillars of American society. These documents reflect the era’s emphasis on reason, individualism, and the belief in natural rights. Franklin, in his Autobiography, presents himself as a Renaissance man who mastered various subjects, thereby spreading Enlightenment ideas to a broad audience. His multifaceted knowledge helped him establish the Library Company of Philadelphia, which played a crucial role in educating many Americans. Franklin remarked, “These Libraries have improv’d the general Conversation of the Americans, made the common Tradesmen and Farmers as intelligent as most Gentlemen from other Countries, and perhaps have contributed in some degree to the Stand so generally made throughout the Colonies in Defense of their Privileges” (Franklin “From The Autobiography” pg. 292). This statement underscores how the dissemination of knowledge can empower individuals and fortify collective action, echoing key Enlightenment principles.
Franklin’s description of America as a land of opportunity where one can achieve success through hard work, dedication, and faith further reflects Enlightenment ideals. He recalls his rise from poverty to affluence, attributing his success to the “conducting Means I made use of, which, with the Blessing of God” (Franklin “From The Autobiography” pg. 248). This narrative promotes the Enlightenment belief in self-improvement and the potential for personal growth through rational effort and perseverance.
Religion also played a significant role in shaping Franklin’s Enlightenment thoughts. Although he was a non-believer, his open-minded view on religion advocated for religious freedom. He believed in respecting all religions and their contributions to society, stating, “This Respect to all, with an Opinion that the worst had some good Effects, induc’d me to avoid all Discourse that might tend to lessen the good Opinion another might have of his own Religion; […] new Places of worship were continually wanted, and […] my Mite for such purpose, whatever might be the Sect, was never refused” (Franklin “From The Autobiography” pg. 299). Franklin’s stance illustrates the Enlightenment idea of tolerance and the separation of church and state, advocating for an inclusive society where individuals could freely practice their beliefs.
Furthermore, Franklin’s strong belief in natural rights is evident throughout his writings. He held that all people are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—an Enlightenment idea that profoundly influenced the philosophical foundation of the United States. This belief in inherent rights underpinned the American fight for independence and the subsequent formation of a government dedicated to protecting these rights.
The Declaration of Independence, authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, also encapsulates crucial Enlightenment ideas. Jefferson eloquently articulates the concept of natural rights, asserting that “all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Jefferson “From The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson” pg. 340). This proclamation reflects the Enlightenment’s emphasis on equality and individual rights, foundational principles that continue to influence modern democratic societies.
Jefferson further emphasizes the Enlightenment idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. He writes, “to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” (Jefferson “From The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson” pg. 340). This principle underscores the Enlightenment’s advocacy for a social contract where the authority of the government is based on the will of the people, ensuring that the government serves the interests of its citizens.
These Enlightenment ideas remain relevant today, as they form the bedrock of American legal and political systems. The separation of church and state, for instance, is a direct outcome of Enlightenment thinking, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to practice their religion without government interference. This separation is enshrined in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from making any laws respecting an establishment of religion or impeding the free exercise of religion.
The Enlightenment’s influence is also evident in the protection of individual rights. The Declaration of Independence’s assertion of inalienable rights laid the groundwork for subsequent legal protections, including the Bill of Rights, which guarantees fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, press, assembly, and the right to a fair trial. These rights ensure that individuals can pursue their own happiness and contribute to society without fear of oppression.
Moreover, the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry has had a lasting impact on American education and intellectual life. The establishment of institutions like the Library Company of Philadelphia by Franklin exemplifies the period’s commitment to knowledge dissemination and public education. Today, this legacy continues in the form of public libraries, universities, and a culture that values lifelong learning and critical thinking.
Franklin’s emphasis on education and self-improvement is also echoed in the writings of Enlightenment thinker John Locke, who believed in the importance of education in developing a person’s character and potential. Locke’s theory of the mind as a “tabula rasa” or blank slate suggests that individuals are shaped by their experiences and education. Franklin’s own life story, rising from modest beginnings to become a leading figure in American history, exemplifies Locke’s ideas about the transformative power of education and personal effort.
In addition to Locke, the social contract theory proposed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is reflected in both Franklin’s and Jefferson’s writings. Rousseau argued that legitimate political authority comes from a social contract agreed upon by all citizens for their mutual preservation. This idea is evident in Jefferson’s assertion that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. The American Revolution itself can be seen as an embodiment of Rousseau’s social contract theory, where the colonists sought to establish a government that better represented their interests and protected their rights.
Furthermore, Montesquieu’s idea of the separation of powers is foundational to the American political system. Montesquieu advocated for a government divided into separate branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, an idea that deeply influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and later enshrined in the Constitution reflect this Enlightenment ideal, ensuring a system of checks and balances that promotes accountability and protects individual liberties.
The Enlightenment also brought forth the idea of progress, the belief that society could improve through reason, science, and innovation. This idea is central to Franklin’s life and work. His numerous inventions, scientific experiments, and civic contributions reflect a commitment to using knowledge and reason to improve the human condition. This progressive spirit continues to drive American innovation and cultural development today.
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography and the Declaration of Independence are seminal works that encapsulate the Enlightenment ideas of reason, individualism, and natural rights. Franklin’s life and achievements illustrate the power of education, hard work, and religious tolerance, while Jefferson’s Declaration enshrines the principles of equality and government by consent. These Enlightenment ideals have profoundly shaped American society, providing a foundation for its legal and political systems and fostering a culture of intellectual inquiry and individual freedom. The enduring relevance of these principles underscores the lasting impact of the Enlightenment on the development of modern democratic societies. By examining these texts through the lens of Enlightenment thinkers like Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, we can appreciate the depth and breadth of Enlightenment influence on American founding principles.