Benjamin Franklin’s The Way to Wealth contains the aphorism “There is no gain without pain” (2). This phrase, which has become an American aphorism, represents American work culture and larger ethos. Franklin, via Poor Richard’s suggestion, says that “He Who Lives on Hope Will Die Fasting” (2). Franklin says that just hoping to be healthy isn’t enough. To be successful, one must have the determination to finish the task and not depend on God or the government. Franklin argues for an individualistic self-determination. This will be the basis of American philosophy for years to comes.
Franklin’s argument for independence and self determination is his main point. Franklin was strongly opposed to British rule in the Americas. Franklin was convinced that Americans would take over their own government. Poor Richard, through Franklin, says immediately after this famous aphorism: “Help Hands, For I Have No Lands, Or If I Do, They Are Smartly Taxed” (2). Franklin believes that taxation is an important aspect of self government. Franklin was particularly concerned by the British practice of imposing taxes on Westminster Parliament without any representation. Franklin believes that although Americans are skilled and capable of constructing their state, they do not possess any sort of authority to govern their own lands.
Franklin’s advice aims to convince American citizens that they don’t need to be dependent on British rule. He says, “He has an estate if he is a trader, and an honorable office if he is a caller” (2). Many Americans were astonished by the British system of land ownership, which was based largely on hereditary rights. Franklin thought that landowners had a stake, both long-term and in daily operations, in the success of a state. The British system was not able to provide the necessary representation. Franklin argued that the American system of autonomy was based on self-determination and industriousness, not just land ownership. In contrast to the British model, it was necessary to earn land through merit, and to set an example throughout one’s life.
Franklin’s mission, while not completely secular, is still important. Even though the aphorism of Poor Richard is centered on self-determination and not relying on outside forces, God can still be mentioned, even briefly. Poor Richard states, “God aids those who assist themselves.” (!). This phrase has many interpretations. Franklin could, on the one hand be disdaining God through irony by implying God’s lack of involvement in everyday financial activities. Franklin may be saying that self determined entrepreneurs embody American self-reliance, independence, and the spirit of the Puritans’ covenant with God. In either scenario, Poor Richard urges people to trust in their own abilities instead of waiting for God’s blessings.
Franklin’s notion of independence is also tied to the vitality, both of the body of each individual as well as of the state. In a way, maintaining your health and the health of society or government is comparable. Franklin says, “It is a harsh government to tax its citizens a tenth of the time if they are employed by it. Idleness is a tax on many people much more than that. The perception of unfairness in taxation greatly affected the American colonies and their decision to break from Britain. The revolutionaries were concerned about unfair taxation and governance. Franklin believes that laziness is worse. He says that “sloth by causing diseases, shortens the life”. Sloth reduces health and prevents individuals from reaching their full potential. Franklin viewed sloth as a sign of the severity of unfair taxes.
Franklin emphasizes that time is important for both self-determination as well as industry. He warns, “If you are a lover of life, do not waste time. It is the substance that makes life possible” (1). Franklin says that time is life’s essence. To be worthy of life, it is important to use time intelligently. To prove one’s existence, you must put in the effort. Franklin’s Poor Richard declares that “if the most precious thing is time, then, as Richard said, wasting your time must be the worst prodigality.” Franklin, who is known for his ‘no gain without pain’ philosophy, also criticizes laziness. Franklin considers sloth to be the opposite of industry. He wrote, “Sloth is the enemy of industry, and makes everything difficult.” (2). Franklin’s maxim states that people of all backgrounds can achieve great things if they put in the effort and use their skills. Franklin was adamant that this principle would guide the American Revolution.
Franklin has set the goal of establishing a work ethic in America. It is necessary to build a society in pieces. For a country to be truly free from the whims of powerbrokers abroad, it must successfully establish its own industry. Franklin says, “Drive your business, but don’t let it drive you” (2). Entrepreneurs are able to take control of their business, even though they must always consider the financial and temporal aspects. It is important to adhere to these principles in many areas of your life. Poor Richard claims, for example: “Early rise and early bedtime make a wise, healthy and wealthy man” (2). Franklin’s personal health and success is tied to his intellectual achievements. Franklin believes that a man’s personal health, prosperity and intellectual achievement are all linked.
Franklin is hopeful in his vision of America. He said, “At a workingman’s home hunger looks inside, but is afraid to enter.” (2). Franklin gives advice to an average American struggling against British imperialism. Franklin presents a brightly positive assessment of colonial struggles, and he suggests the American spirit and industrialism will triumph in the end over British hegemony. Franklin is basically saying that sacrifices are necessary to establish a strong state. Franklin claims that “There are no benefits without pains”(2), and that Americans must be the first to suffer to ensure the success of the country. Franklin’s analysis is not ironic. The relevance of this passage to the opposing cause is the same as the rest of it. This is a good piece of advice because it promotes the right to self-determination for every individual. Franklin’s aphorism convinced me personally. The rhythmic nature of the aphorism gives it a powerful tone that is particularly appealing. A number of Poor Richard’s aphorisms also have a well-established context. The general thesis that American entrepreneurs must advance their agenda reverberates throughout modern times.
