"Emersonian Influences on Ben Franklin's Autobiography" Being one of the first "self-made men" in America, Benjamin Franklin and his autobiography best portrayed many of Ralph Waldo Emerson's views regarding transcendentalism. Coinciding with Emerson's views of self-reliance, Franklin placed a great deal of value on individuality and self worth. He was independent and determined, rising above the poverty in which he and his fourteen other brothers and sisters were raised. Due to the lack of finances …showed first 75 words of 1042 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1042 total…conformity and placed high values on independence and self worth. As stated by Emerson, "one could find his or her own way to transcendence through self-knowledge, self-reliance, and the contemplation of nature." Franklin was an excellent example of these beliefs. Works Cited Perkins, George, and Perkins, Barbara, eds. The American Tradition in Literature. 10th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002. Emerson, Ralph Waldo. "Self-Reliance." Perkins and Perkins 933-949 Franklin, Benjamin. "The Autobiography." Perkins and Perkins 321-351