The Diplomatic Views of Benjamin Franklin - Essay Example

The Diplomatic Views of Benjamin Franklin An orderly, organized virtuous society is crippled if not supported by an equally virtuous citizen. For a society to prevail in this day and age, governance of the general public accompanied by laws that should be upheld, help in achieving a republic that is self-reliant and promotes equality for all regardless of race and religion. Many have discussed and expressed their views on what makes a society prosperous or otherwise. Discussed are the views of two great thinkers whose views still resonate today. Benjamin Franklin's autobiography was referred to as controversial because of his views at the time, which were not as conservative as other politicians. He was a man who embodied qualities that many lack and few possess. His diplomatic views was often met with resentment and objection but that did not alter his opinions regrading the American society and its values. One of his most profound statements made was “I think it principally owing that I had early so much weight with my fellow citizens, when I proposed new constitutions, or alterations in the old; and so much influence in public councils when I became a member” (Lemay 76). He thus took a part in regulation of laws, and not just to those that would serve the government alone but the citizens as well. He handled his role as a man of the people with humility and pride and this made him an utmost exemplary leader. Thus he is a model by which all can learn how to be a virtuous citizen. His active involvement in public service made him a force to be reckoned with. Though referred to as an individual who was very materialistic he nonetheless took his responsibilities as a citizen seriously, and sought to instill this importance of patriotism and loyalty to others. His emphasis on citizens upholding the law , respecting civil liberties and have virtues that would better determine your character as a virtuous citizen. Benjamin Franklin emphasizes the respect of all mankind and this helps one attain respect from their peers as well as themselves. For the republic to be successful, Benjamin Franklin emphasizes that citizens should uphold the law, be vocal about corruption and be patriotic. He was vehemently against arbitrary power which he felt would render a society oppressive and promote dependence instead of independence. Belief in individualism and in free will like the prospect of a rise from rags to riches or from impotence to importance, demands that the individual have hope (Lemay 357). His hope was that all citizens would express their free will and showcase good judgment in matters that concerned the individual and the society. Free press was one of the means by which he felt arbitrary power could be obliterated. The existence of a free press would allow individuals to express their ideas regarding a particular candidate, elected official or miscellaneous matters. It is without a doubt, Benjamin Franklin would be to an extent satisfied with the progress made in today's society, but would object to the influence the government has on the media, thus meant to be a forum for the general public. For the republic to thrive, free press should not be opposed , but instead encouraged. It was important according to Benjamin Franklin to have virtues that remind you of your humanity and help you carry out your civic duty. He was known for being proud and humility was a virtue he worked on attaining. Humor was considered by Benjamin Franklin to be important especially for one in a position like himself, having to make important decisions that affect both the individual and the society. Humility would in his opinion bridge the gap between those in power, that is the politicians and the general public. Benjamin Franklin sought to express this virtue openly to demonstrate its affect on private citizens much to the objection of other elected officials. Our opinions are not in our own power, they are form'd and govern'd much by circumstances, that are often inexplicable as they are insistable (Lemay 358). This was a comment made by Benjamin Franklin in a letter to his son after the revolution. Thus he stresses the importance of the citizen and formulation of laws that are passed by the government and the role they play in making sure elected officials act in accordance with law for the good of the country. Armed with the knowledge that those in public office do not necessarily act in the best interest of the community as evidenced today, Benjamin Franklin's vision was to empower the everyday man with the freedom to voice opinions. Democracy is uniquely identified in the works of Rosseau. He compares a successful republic to great societies such as Rome and the influence they had on the world by making their mark, through their enforcement of laws and governance. Rosseau discusses the origin of inequality and how it plays a vital role in the fortitude of a virtuous republic. As most regular folk assume, the government does not usually have the best interests of the general public at heart. In addition to this, today's society feels an increase in national insecurity, due to recent events. The public can do only so much, to protect themselves, active involvement can only be achieved by engaging in battle with foreign threats through joining the army. However, the rest of us, rely on the news, pamphlets, newspapers, the Internet and other medium to know what's going on around the world and in our own backyard. However Rosseau states in his discourse addressed to the Republic of Geneva on June 12, 1754, “ I would have wanted to be born in a country where the sovereign and people could have but one and the same interest” (Rosseau 26). Thus Rosseau was questioning the political systems that existed then and their objectives. His ideology was focused on the formation of of democratic governments that included the public in their decision making. Rosseau's views endeavored to make political systems aware of possible avenues they could take in ensuring their prosperity. He concedes that governments should be aware of the history of governments in order to avoid past atrocities and mistakes targeted towards unsuspecting citizens. Rosseau believes in his views that unjust rule by the state in the republic prompts disorder and lack of loyalty among the citizens. In considering human society from tranquil and disinterested point of view it seems at first to manifest merely the violence of powerful men and oppression of the weak (Rosseau 36). With this statement Rosseau continues to lay claim that the position of people in power is to take advantage of the weak and thus govern unjustly. In today's society there are those who would agree with the Rosseau, since the power someone has in office, the easier it is to influence certain laws being passed that may not necessarily reflect the interests of the private citizens. This view, however biased, seems to indicate that government officials are always in a position to oppress the public, this may not necessarily be true. It may be implied, but laws exist to punish those that break it, those in public office and private citizens as well. According to Rosseau, governments did not begin with arbitrary power, which is but their corruption and extreme limit, and which finally brings them back simply to the law of the strongest, for which they were initially to have been the remedy; but also that even if they had begun thus , this power, being illegitimate by its nature , could not have served as a foundation for the rights of society, nor as a consequence for the inequality occasioned by social institutions (Rosseau 74). Thus he confronts the issue of arbitrary power and its disadvantages. To avoid servitude and instead promote tranquility among the population. If arbitrary power was to succeed in the United States the country would be thrown in a whirlwind of chaos, disorder, civil war and overall widespread misconduct. Rosseau's social contract emphasizes the importance of legislators, political economy, human rights, civil religion and most importantly democracy. In his views there is the continuing reference to leaders who regard themselves as proprietors of the state, thus enforcing laws to their liking, which may not necessarily be a positive move, if they expect loyalty from their citizens. Many societies past and present have imposed laws that reduce the citizen to nothing more than a subject, Rossesau attempts to address this underlying problem that has proved to be detrimental to the character of a society. One must be free in order to will, another no less formidable difficulty is how to secure both the public liberty and the authority of the government (Rosseau 116). It is clear without a reasonable doubt that democracy is a strong point that he wants understood and applied within governments that did not practice at the time. These views are to this day important for those societies that are totalitarian. Rosseau argues that government entities should confirm with the laws, if they are to set an example for the society, they govern. This allows less corruption within the government and better governance attributed to serving the people and their interests. State politicians if less blinded by their ambitions would be aware of the fact that the greatest support for public authority lies in the hearts of the citizens, and that nothing can take the place of mores in the maintenance of the government (Rosseau 119). This is definitely true, politicians rely on the votes of citizens to put them in office, and we in turn rely on them to rule with a firm but fair hand. It is safe to say that citizens expect those they elect to be men of good character, who can be fair and just given the opportunity to lead. It is equally important for the people to exhibit patriotism in order for the republic to prevail. They must therefore love there country and take pride in it. Thus the welfare of citizens is a shared responsibility of both the public as well as authority. Rosseau encourages respect in liberty in order for individuals and society to co-exist. Public education is emphasized and compared to other great societies that had public education systems like the Cretans, Lacedemonians and the Ancient Persians. This will increase goodwill of the society and general respect by all for laws and the state. Rosseau also discusses the respect of basic human rights and is opposes slavery. Since no man has a natural authority over his fellow man, and since force does not give rise to any right, conventions therefore remain the basis of all legitimate authority among men (Rosseau 144). In retrospect no man has the right to decide whether another has the right of freedom or not. Thus the legislator is an important individual who has to make sure the laws are framed to suit the public and republic. Democracy is important because it will ensure equality for all and also instill hope within the society of a better tomorrow. Rosseau notes the contrast between the rich and the poor and beckons less emphasis on materialistic gain which promotes vanity and more interest in the republic and its wellbeing. Thus a democratic government would have fair elections that would in more ways than one assure the public that their republic is a just and fair one. Both Franklin and Rosseau maintain the importance of proper administration of law as well as abiding by it. For a virtuous society to prevail, both share the same view in regards to arbitrary power and its disadvantage. The importance of honest states people is also emphasizes in order to show their importance as it relates to equality.All their opinions are respectively justified and are important as far as the individual and society are concerned. Their opinions should be seen by all governments as a guiding tool to which they should adhere the principles outlined. The importance of unity between the individual and the society as well as its importance to the longevity of a nation. Many countries today elect into office individuals not based on ability but on acquaintance. It is therefore important to encourage democracy not based on wealth, and bureaucracy but on the merits of a people who hope to be led by a republic that administers laws and treats its citizens justly. Bibliography Lemay, Leo J. A. and Zall, P. M, eds. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. New York : W.W. Norton and Company Incorporation, 1986. Rosseau, Jean-Jacques. The Basic Political Writings. Trans. Donald A. Cress. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 1987. Read More