Improving the Self and Community
Franklin College Brew House, late 18th century
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Franklin College Brew House, late 18th century
The Old Academy Buildings in 4th Street as originally constructed, ca. 1830
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The Old Academy Buildings in 4th Street as originally constructed, ca. 1830
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The noblest question in the world is
What Good may I do in it?
Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1737
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Franklin placed great value on self-improvement. He believed that integrity and moral responsibility were the backbone of a successful life and a strong community. He examined his own behavior frequently and, at one point, outlined 12 virtues that needed his attention: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, and chastity. A Quaker friend suggested a 13th—humility—but Franklin admitted: “I cannot boast of much Success in acquiring the Reality of this Virtue; but I had a good deal with regard to the Appearance of it.” Franklin struggled throughout his life to live up to these ideals.

As a lifelong learner, Franklin taught himself to read French, German, Italian, and Spanish, on top of the Latin he learned as a child. To help others educate themselves, he and his fellow Junto members founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, America’s first subscription library, and the University of Pennsylvania, America’s first nonsectarian college. Franklin believed that, above all, education should be useful, with an emphasis on character, hard work, and bodily and spiritual health.

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The Library Company

Benjamin Franklin and his fellow Junto members relied on reading to educate themselves. Since most books available in the colonies were expensive imports, the group soon decided to pool their resources to form the Library Company of Philadelphia. Each member was charged a subscription fee that went toward new acquisitions. Non-members could also use the library and even check out books if they put down a deposit. The Library Company, the oldest public library in America, now thrives as a research library specializing in early American history and culture.

“Lion's Mouth” box, ca. 1750
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“Lion's Mouth” box, ca. 1750
A Catalogue of Books Belonging to the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1741
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A Catalogue of Books Belonging to the Library Company of Philadelphia, 1741
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Building a Community tree, installation
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Building a Community tree, installation 2005
The Junto
In 1727 Franklin and 11 friends formed a club “for mutual improvement” which they called the Junto. When members left, new men joined, but there were never more than 12. At weekly meetings they discussed ways to work together for the benefit of themselves and their community. Through several decades of activity, the Junto left a lasting mark on the city of Philadelphia and ultimately on American society. Some combination of Junto members helped to establish seven pivotal institutions that enriched community life.
Do you think of any thing
at present, in which the Junto may be serviceable to
mankind? to their country, to their friends,
or to themselves?
—Benjamin Franklin, Rules for a Club Formerly Established in Philadelphia, 1732
The Phillips Museum of Art