平凡的伟大
他，既不美丽，也不伟大，但他却默默无闻地在自己平凡的岗位上用自己辛勤的劳动绘制出一幅幅美丽生动的画，同时又在创造中把自己升华。
团结同志，服务大家，和谐共处就是他；细心认真，谦虚谨慎，对待设备绝不出差；思想先进敢于创新，遵章守纪勇攀达，积极入党首推选拔；
披星戴月，以厂为家，日复一日还是他；追求完美，永不推辞，下来工作没有二话；维修现场摸爬滚打，汗水如雨飘洒，加班加点抢修星光下；
说句大实话，谁不愿干干净净，潇潇洒洒，可既然选择了它，就要无畏风吹雨打，汗油交加，工服手套，伴随他春秋冬夏，他的汗水将“平凡”化为“伟大”，更让自己描绘的那幅画锦上添花。
他就是刘中学，山东金沃耐火材料科技有限公司的一名普通维修工人，一个平凡的伟大的人！
金沃办公室Smoke on the water
第二篇：从平凡到伟大
英美文学课程论文
从平凡到杰出——富兰克林成功要诀和《自传》的现实意义
学生姓名： 徐彩丽
学 号：
班 级： 英语0904
完成日期：20xx年5月21日
从平凡到杰出——富兰克林成功要诀和《自传》的现实意义
By
Xucaili
CLASS: 0904
Foreign Languages Department
Xi’an University of Finance & Economics
MAY.2012
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From Ordinary to Outstanding—How Franklin Succeeded and the Practical Significance of The Autobiography
Abstract
Benjamin Franklin was born poor and drop out of school at 10. But through self-study and struggle, he made exordinary achievements that are difficult to match. The Autobiography is a faithful record of the struggles of Franklin. In the book, he told his experiences of success and failure in small talks and it has been a guide in life for the young over the world since then. This paper is to explore the practical significance of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by analyzing and summarizing keys led Franklin to success according to his autobiography from two perspectives of individual self-improvement and commitment to society. The spirits of Franklin will never be outdated and is of great influence and guiding effect.
Key words: The Autobiography Benjamin Franklin keys practical significance
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从平凡到杰出——富兰克林成功要诀和《自传》的现实意义
内容摘要
本杰明·富兰克林出身贫寒,十岁辍学,但他通过自学和奋斗,取得了常人难以企及的成就。《自传》是富兰克林奋斗经历的忠实记录。作者在书中以拉家常的方式，将自己成功的经验和失败的教训娓娓道来,并成为世界所有年轻人的“人生指导”。本文通过对自传中披露的成功要诀从个人的完善和对社会的热心两方面分析总结，探讨《富兰克林自传》现实意义。富兰克林精神并没有过时，它在如今仍具有巨大影响和指导意义。
关键字:《自传》 富兰克林 要诀 现实意义
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Content
1. Introduction of Benjamin Franklin .................................................................. 6
2. The Purpose of The Autobiography ................................................................. 7
3. Keys to Success Disclosed in the Autobiography ............................................ 8
3.1 Endless Self-improvement to the Perfect .................................................8
3.1.1 Life-long and Eternal Learning .......................................................8
3.1.2 Strong Executive Power ..................................................................8
3.1.3 Devotion into the Unknown ............................................................9
3.1.4 Hard Working ..................................................................................9
3.2 Sophisticated Ways to Deal with Things ............................................... 10
3.2.1 Willingness to Make Friends ........................................................ 10
3.2.2 Cultivation of Character ............................................................... 10
3.2.3 Active Participation in Social Activities ....................................... 11
4. Conclusion...................................................................................... 12 5
From Ordinary to Outstanding—How Franklin Succeeded and
Practical Significance of The Autobiography
1. Introduction of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. A noted polymath, Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, musician, inventor, satirist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
He was born in a humble family in Boston and dropped out of school at 10. At the age of 12, he became a printing apprentice to his brother. In order to be self-relied in the society at that time, he started his own business – printing through twists and turns. He not only stood steadily in the fierce competition in the printing industry, but also expanded the business to several neighboring states and the West Indies to become the leader in the printing and publishing industry in North America.
He also paid attention to the observations of natural phenomena and study scientific problems. His research interests involve the optical, thermal, acoustics, mathematics, oceanography, botany and so on, the lightning rod being the representative of a series of inventions. He was awarded a master's degree or doctorate Harvard University, Yale University, Britain's Oxford University, the University of Edinburgh and St Andrews University at the basis of only two years of primary school education.
He was not only good at solving specific issues in the natural science and practical problems in the social and political activities; he even explored the many philosophical and social problems. He was a deist, believing that spirit is attached to material; he owed social hardship to the fact that workers have to feed the parasites; he was against war and in passion for freedom and peace; he hated racial discrimination and slavery and advocated to safeguard the interests of blacks and Indians.
In May 1775, he devoted himself into the revolutionary struggle as Pennsylvania's Public Safety Committee Chairman, presiding over the local Central Military Commission and drafting a state constitution and Paine; as the Pennsylvania representative to attend the Second Continental Congress, he 6
was one of the drafters of the United States Declaration of Independence; he served as Minister of the United States Postal organizations during the war and made remarkable achievements; After the civil war, he became the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France of the newborn United States until returning in 1885. After returning, he was elected governor of Pennsylvania in four consecutive years. After 1788, he was no longer in public office, but still published political essays for the Government for adoption, and was committed to promoting the activities of the abolition of slavery.
In April 17, 1790, Franklin died. The number of funeral procession for him in his funeral that day was as many as 20, 000, even the U.S. Congress also determined to mourn for him for a month. This fully embodies Franklin's position in the minds of Americans.
2. The Purpose of The Autobiography
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was in fact a letter Franklin wrote to his son and a summary of the author when he reviewed in his later years. In the first part, the reader can easily find that Franklin wrote the “Autobiography” for the “sons” to go beyond the “detour”. “Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world, ????which with the blessing of God so well succeeded, my posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and therefore fit to be imitated.”
Another aim of this book is to guide the younger generations for the good. Later in the book, in a letter from a friend of the author, he wrote “The influence writings under that class have on the minds of youth is very great ???Should thine, for instance, when published, lead the youth to equal the industry and temperance of thy early youth, what a blessing with that class would such a work be! ??? Not that I think the work would have no other merit and use in the world, far from it; but the first is of such vast importance that I know nothing that can equal it.
The Autobiography has far-reaching and enormous influence on later generations, both as a historical authority of the text, or as a education and textbooks for the young.
3. Keys to Success Disclosed in the Autobiography
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3.1 Endless Self-improvement to the Perfect
3.1.1 Life-long and Eternal Learning
Even though he was busy in working and living in poverty, Franklin would save money to buy a book rather than a loaf of bread. Whether it was from a book he had saved up for weeks to be able to afford, or a conversation with a fellow businessman, Franklin sought out knowledge wherever he could. “More is to be learned with the ear than the tongue,” he said. He does not make any recreational activities other than reading a book outside. Due to diligence and the use of spare time, he taught himself Italian, French, Latin, and Spanish. He read a lot of books on economics, politics, history, philosophy and science. Franklin believed that only through a process of continual learning would he be able to live life to its fullest potential. Through reading books and critical absorption, one is able to form their own unique perspective of the independent thinking. It was his curiosity and love of education that allowed Franklin to succeed.
3.1.2 Strong Executive Power
He was a person of strong force of action, and did immediately no matter what decided instead of delay. From the book, readers can strongly feel Franklin's powerful self-management skills which are directly reflected in his actions, which rendered him strong executive power. Everyone is impressed when he talked about how he practiced to improve his writing skills. He took the initiative literary training to improve his writing ability once he found his shortcoming in writings. Then by imitating famous works to improve their writing skills, coupled with his strong analytical and independent thinking ability, his writing skills had improved a lot and even published articles in the newspaper.
May be that is because printing that Franklin engaged in is a work greatly emphasized on the ability to act. Once he had any good ideas at work, he can quickly make recommendations to others. As to mature insight, he was able to immediately put into practice.
3.1.3 Devotion into the Unknown
Franklin’s mind was never at rest; if it wasn’t one question plaguing him, it was another and he was always determined to get to the bottom of it. He wasn’t afraid of taking risks and experimenting with bold, 8
new hypotheses. The world knows the experience he did with a kite to prove that lightning and electricity is the same. His most important contribution is the description of the theory of electrical phenomena (such as charge generation, charge transfer, electrostatic induction, etc.). Initially, he interested in the invention to design a small device, which lay a solid foundation for his future experiments with electricity. From 1745, within less than 10 years, through the experiment, Franklin first proposed in the history of an important hypothesis on electricity: the single-fluid theory of electricity; he also found that a point discharge phenomenon. More importantly, Franklin proposed the transfer of electrical theory. He also expounded the theory of heat conduction; studied the use of evaporation of the low temperature, the methods of modern ventilation, transplantation of various plants, infectious diseases, the Gulf of Mexico flow rate and temperature measurement as well as the direction of storm movement in North America.
Key to any business, Franklin understood that it was only in continually improving, thinking of new ideas and trying new things would he finally achieve success. As he famously wrote once, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Accordingly, everything else had room for experimentation.
3.1.4 Hard Working
Franklin set a good example of hard working: he was born poor, and only studied for two years in school before the age of 10. He has been hard work in printing since the day he became a apprentice. Later he became a highly skilled printing worker, and gradually established his own printing business. In describing his ambition to achieve “Affluence” and “Reputation,” Franklin does not specify enhanced mating opportunities as a motivating factor; instead, it is hard working. In taking for granted their universal desirability, moreover, he evinces awareness of their fundamental importance in human endeavors.
“He that lives upon hope will die fasting,” Franklin said. He believed that those who were successful were so because they worked just a little bit harder than everyone else. He said to himself once in his 20s, “one day when I have enough wealth I will not engage in this lucrative industry but devote to my beloved research”. He really did that. He accumulated enough wealth through printing and gradually emerging from the work of survival, into the public affairs of his favorite scientific research.
He despised laziness and procrastination, feeling that it was his duty to both himself and his 9
community to use his time as wisely as possible and make a valuable contribution to the world. It was his strong work ethic that helped set Franklin apart from the rest.
3.2 Sophisticated Ways to Deal with Things
3.2.1 Willingness to Make Friends
Franklin was very willing to make friends. His diligent and sincere character and his unique analysis of the problem made him very popular. By building a strong reputation and getting his name into as many circles as he could, Franklin was able to make the connections he needed to reach the top. He often stayed with friends and participated in reading, writing poetry and debate. He organized a variety of activities to study and discuss social issues. He understood the importance of networking and shrewdly took advantage of his prominence in order to achieve his goals.
He advises readers to avoid becoming embroiled in personal vendettas, asserting that it is best, whenever possible, to convert opponents into allies. “How much more profitable it is,” he counsels, “to remove, than to resent, return and continue Proceedings”. Clearly he believes that anyone aspiring to rise in status and assume leadership roles needs a strong base of social support. Thus he avoids quarrels, even when provoked, especially with those in more powerful positions than his own. He also avoids being embroiled in hostilities perpetuated by others. Instead of creating lasting enmity by reacting with knee-jerk hostility to a hostile act perpetrated by a person “of Fortune, and Education,” he concocts a successful scheme to win the man’s regard
3.2.2 Cultivation of Character
His great public influence and the organizing force are due to the cultivation of his character. He was a talent in his early years. He liked to argue with people just as many other young people, and a bit arrogant. But one day, his friends reminded his shortcomings; he deliberately cultivated a humble and honest quality and put forward the famous 13 virtues: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility. This brought him a great circle of friends, and also made him succeeded in founding organizations one after another which played an important role in society.
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Never denigrating, disguising or disowning his ambitions, Franklin expends no energy on self-justification. He does not pretend, for instance, that the wealth and status he achieves are unsought, or mere by-products of intellectual, ethical, or spiritual questing; he presents them, rather, as deliberately formulated and unquestionably worthy ends. He acknowledges no disadvantages to being rich and powerful, and he takes uncomplicated pride in having become so.
3.2.3 Active Participation in Social Activities
Franklin had a strong sense of responsibility, especially for communities and countries. He had a vague religious belief. He did not belong to a religion, but he believed in God and believed that citizens should strive for social justice and the promotion of human happiness. For him, business could not be seen as separate from the community in which it was operated and in which its employees lived. When his own printing business has gone relatively smooth, he served in Philadelphia (an American city he lived in his later life) and Pennsylvania in various positions, including post offices, police, fire, parliament, army, etc. He was competent in analyzing the problem and dealing with it with capacity. This no doubt prompted Franklin to become an excellent political leader eventually.
Though focusing thus on his own individual interests, he demonstrates that his individual goals can be achieved only within the framework of a human community. In the autobiography, he deploys the principle of reciprocal altruism with intuitive insight and practiced skill; he negotiates the intricacies of dominance hierarchies with the utmost shrewdness; he identifies cooperation as a crucial component of his success, repeatedly discovering for readers’ benefit that self-interest and collective well-being are inextricably intertwined.
“If you wouldst live long, live well, for folly and wickedness shortens life,” said Franklin. By helping those around him, Franklin believed he was planting seeds for the future. In his desire to “imitate Jesus and Socrates”, Franklin attempted to achieve the good life by setting goals beyond the self. Franklin believed that citizens had to take responsibility for their community and he lived his life as an example of this philosophy.
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4. Conclusion
Benjamin Franklin is the most perfect representative of the Spirit of Capitalism and the best interpreters of human morality and rationality, an incredible generalist. Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography illustrates critically important adaptive goals and strategies. It is the story of an individual, rooted in a specific time and place, wrestling with universal human problems. The spirit of struggle embodied in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is essential at any time. The autobiography is still associated with us in the modern times. For a society, hard work and self-reliance is still necessary; for a person, the self-study example of Franklin is still of great importance and significance.
Reference
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6. 袁雪生. 20xx年9月:《 〈富兰克林自传〉与美国精神》, 中国社会科学出版社
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