Why did Benjamin Franklin quit eating meat?
Benjamin Franklin was a vegetarian.
In his own words:
"When about 16 Years of Age, I happen'd to meet with a Book, written by one Tryon, recommending a Vegetable Diet. I determined to go into it. My Brother being yet unmarried, did not keep House, but boarded himself and his Apprentices in another Family. My refusing to eat Flesh occasioned an Inconveniency, and I was frequently chid for my singularity."
- From The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
What you'll find here:
Vegetarian No More
"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
Learn something new about this great philosopher
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.
Benjamin Franklin - 1706 to 1790
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
...in his own words
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written in two parts. The early years are described with great wit and wisdom. He talks about embarrassing lessons he learned, his vegetarianism, his career development path, and the woman he fell in love with, then later lived with in a common law marriage.
The second half of the book, written much later after he was urged to complete his memoirs, was from a much different perspective -- that of an important statesman working to build the new United States of America.
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Silence Dogood
...a pseudonym for the master himself!
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.
Benjamin Franklin Quotes
...vote for your favorite.
What we have here is a series of short quotes by Benjamin Franklin. You'll have to click "more" to read each one, but don't worry, the page doesn't have to reload - the rest of the quote will simply appear thanks to the wonders of DHTML web programming.
Anyhow, you can vote for the quote or quotes you like best and identify with. I think you'll be pleased with Benjamin Franklin's ethics and philosophies.
A Blessing From Benjamin Franklin
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
Poor Richard's Almanac
...
One thing I love about Benjamin Franklin is that he wasn't afraid to use pseudonyms to disguise himself in order to produce entertaining writings. For the purpose of this series of Almanacs, published annually from 1732 to 1758, Franklin wrote as poor Richard Saunders, who referred to Franklin as his publisher.
Saunders wrote about astrology and made predictions (some, of a humorous nature) which endears him to me even more as I'm into predictions. Saunders also included many aphorisms and proverbs for which Franklin was famous.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byPoverty
"Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is." - Benjamin Franklin
More Benjamin Franklin Books
...many of these are about Franklin, by other authors
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Wishing you many more visits with Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin Collectibles
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byBenjamin Franklin Links
- Benjamin Franklin Wikipedia Page
- All about Benjamin Franklin.
- Benjamin Franklin - Wikiquote
- Benjamin Franklin quotes - lots of them!
Thanks for visiting my lens about 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.Click here to add this lens to your favorites.
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Your comments are welcome!
...I look forward to hearing from you
What did you think of this lens?
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enslavedbyfaeries
Very interesting topic! I've been a vegetarian for 17 years so you got my attention right away. I did not know that Benjamin Franklin was a vegetarian. I think it is important to choose your own path using your conscience to guide you even if it means creating a little controversy among your friends and family. Very nicely done. :) Posted July 29, 2008 |
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cowgirlup1123
Wow great lenses. I love it love it Posted July 09, 2008 |
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BFuniv.com
I actually chose three favorite quotes. I hope Mr. Franklin does not chastise me for my immoderation. Like Ben with the fish, I find it easy to rationalize feeding some desires. Posted July 07, 2008 |
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The_Homeopath
Wow! A great read, I'm torn on my favorite quote, though. I voted for Persistence, but I really identify with Anger and Action. Posted July 06, 2008 |
