Benjamin Franklin Was A Vegetarian

After a few years as a vegetarian, he strayed, but only with good reason:

"I believe I have omitted mentioning that in my first Voyage from Boston, being becalm'd off Block Island, our People set about catching Cod and hawl'd up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my Resolution of not eating animal Food; and on this Occasion, I consider'd with my Master Tryon, the taking every Fish as a kind of unprovok'd Murder, since none of them had or ever could do us any Injury that might justify the Slaughter. All this seem'd very reasonable. But I had formerly been a great Lover of Fish, and when this came hot out of the Frying Pan, it smelt admirably well. I balanc'd some time between Principle and Inclination: till I recollected, that when the Fish were opened, I saw smaller Fish taken out of their Stomachs: Then thought I, if you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you. So I din'd upon Cod very heartily and continu'd to eat with other People, returning only now and than occasionally to a vegetable Diet. So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for every thing one has a mind to do."

- From The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

I'm impressed by Franklin's vegetarianism, and his subsequent decision to eat fish, because it shows that he was a man who thought for himself. Even though he was "frequently chid" for his vegetarianism, he acted on his own conscience without fail.

Now what I'm trying to get across by shocking people with Franklin's diet, is that he is a man who most of us don't know very well, who lived an outstandingly upright and principled life worth learning about. I read his autobiography last year and was moved by his humble lessons and steadfast perserverance, as well as his delightful humor. I'd like for more people to know about this fine man.

Benjamin Franklin was a great writer. He wrote an autobiography, Poor Richard's Almanac, and hundreds of letters. He was a journalist, publisher, and printer. He had an amazing sense of humor. He was dedicated to the founding of the United States. He established a career as a printer and journalist, founded the first volunteer fire department in the USA, and was voted into office, ending up a great statesman. I highly recommend getting to know him better through his books and other writings.

Starting on April 2, 1772, Benjamin Franklin published a series of letters in his newspaper from a person named Silence Dogood. Actually, these letters were written by Franklin himself using a pseudonym in order to call attention to issues he apparently didn't want to put his own name to.

As I've been a newspaper editor before, I can totally understand the desire to write letters to make up for the letters that don't come in from the general public, though I didn't do it. Newspaper editing can be a lonely thing, even when you request letters, columns, and writers. Especially for newer publications.

The letters started with this line:

"It may not be improper in the first place to inform your Readers, that I intend once a Fortnight to present them, by the Help of this Paper, with a short Epistle, which I presume will add somewhat to their Entertainment."

You can read them online at Benjamin Franklin Papers - a reference site of all Benjamin Franklin letters and writings, provided by Yale University.

These Blessings, Reader, may Heav'n grant to thee;

A faithful Friend, equal in Love's degree;

Land fruitful, never conscious of the Curse,

A liberal Heart and never-failing Purse;

A smiling Conscience, a contented mind;

A temp'rate Knowledge with true Wisdom join'd;

A Life as long as fair, and when expir'd,

A kindly Death, unfear'd as undesir'd.

- From Poor Richard's Almanac, 1745

Wishing you many more visits with Benjamin Franklin.

I didn't think much about Benjamin Franklin until I decided to read his autobiography a few years ago. What I learned about him impressed me deeply. I found new respect for this man and was inspired to create this lens to focus on him and his amazing life and accomplishments.

This page created by Linda Jo Martin of: