Literature isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for learning. Through stories, essays, and autobiographies, readers can explore the world through someone else’s eyes and gain insight without having to experience the same hardships. This is especially true when the author’s ideas are relevant, their reasoning is sound, and the content has practical value in one’s life. One literary piece that strongly reflects these qualities is an excerpt from the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, where we witness both the mental and moral strength of a man whose ideas remain timeless.
🔎 The Value of Judging Literary Ideas and Reasoning 🧠
When engaging with literature, one of the most important reading skills to develop is the ability to judge the relevance and worth of ideas. This doesn’t just mean identifying whether a piece is interesting; it means analyzing whether the author’s insights apply meaningfully to your life and whether their logic holds up under scrutiny. The soundness of the author's reasoning is essential in making this judgment.
In Franklin’s excerpt, he details a difficult and uncomfortable journey, soaked by rain, accused of being a runaway servant, and exhausted from foot travel. Yet what shines through these details is his unwavering determination, a trait that reveals not just a personality but a lesson in resilience. Readers who can judge the value of Franklin’s journey will see more than an old tale—they will see vicarious learning in action, where the author becomes a mentor through the written word.
🧭 Benjamin Franklin's Journey: A Test of Determination 🚶♂️🌧️
Franklin’s narrative is a compelling example of someone determined to reach a goal despite adversity. He’s sick, tired, and barely has any money—but he keeps going. This level of persistence is a reflection of sound judgment and an internal compass guided by purpose.
Why was Franklin so bent on reaching Philadelphia? A closer look at his life shows us that Philadelphia was the land of opportunity for him. He was seeking freedom from limitations, a place where he could establish himself without the constraints he felt elsewhere. The excerpt doesn’t spell this out explicitly, but it can be inferred from his actions and eventual success. His reason for pressing on wasn't luxury or convenience—it was vision.
🙈 Appearance vs. Purpose: What Really Matters? 🥖👕
Throughout the story, Franklin pays little attention to how he looks. Soaked, dirty, carrying rolls of bread under each arm, he cuts an awkward figure—but it doesn’t matter to him. What matters is that he’s getting closer to his goal. Here we see a man who values purpose over pride, and his actions show that achieving something worthwhile is more important than appearances.
In one moment, he gives his last coins to the boatmen, even though they tried to refuse the payment because he helped row. This moment speaks volumes: true generosity and self-respect are not dependent on wealth or how one is perceived. These details reveal strong ethical reasoning, giving readers more than just facts—they present a philosophy of life.
🔓 "Breaking Free" According to Franklin 🕊️
What does it mean to break free? For Franklin, it meant more than just physical travel—it symbolized independence of thought, courage, and ambition. He broke free from expectations, poverty, and limitations. His journey wasn’t just across land; it was a metaphorical path toward self-made success.
Even his decision to sleep in a Quaker meeting house after falling asleep during service shows that he was willing to go wherever life would take him, as long as it aligned with his purpose. His choices reflect freedom through action—the kind of breaking free that resonates even today.
🚀 Then vs. Now: A Reflection on Progress 🚌✈️
Wouldn’t Franklin have marveled at how quickly we travel today? We can cover in minutes what took him days. But that raises the question: Are we using that convenience to pursue meaningful goals, as he did?
His journey was hard, but it was driven by purpose. While we’re luckier in many ways now, the question remains: Do we show the same grit and clarity of intention? That’s what readers must ask themselves.
📌 Final Thoughts: Learning Through Literature
Franklin’s excerpt isn’t just a story—it’s a lesson on determination, reasoning, relevance, and human values. It shows us that judging literature means seeing beyond the surface and identifying what is universally true and personally applicable.
When readers ask themselves whether an idea is worth learning, they should consider: Does this help me grow? Does it challenge me to think better, do better, be better? If the answer is yes, then the piece has done more than entertain—it has enlightened.
