Ink of Integrity: Benjamin Franklin’s Counsel to Writers

Evan Swensen
July 5, 2024

In the heart of Philadelphia, amid the bustling energy of a young nation, Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, offered invaluable counsel to writers and thinkers of his time. His wisdom, documented through his writings and interactions, remains a guiding light for aspiring authors.

Franklin’s study was a place of intellectual ferment, filled with books, pamphlets, and printer tools. He believed the written word was a powerful tool for change and a cornerstone of democracy. His own works, including the famous Poor Richard’s Almanack, offered practical advice and reflections on life, morality, and society.

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing,” Franklin famously said. This advice encapsulated his belief in the importance of substance in writing. He encouraged writers to be thoughtful and purposeful, to contribute meaningfully to the discourse of their time.

Franklin’s advice often extended to the technical aspects of writing. He emphasized clarity, conciseness, and the importance of a well-structured argument. His own essays, such as those in The Pennsylvania Gazette, demonstrated these principles, blending wit and wisdom to engage and inform readers.

As a printer and publisher, Franklin interacted with numerous writers and thinkers. He was known for his mentorship, offering guidance on everything from grammar and style to the broader purpose of their work. His interactions were characterized by encouragement and critical feedback, helping writers refine their craft and find their voice.

Franklin also understood the power of persuasion. In his Autobiography, he recounted how he used reasoned argument and gentle humor to influence public opinion and promote civic virtues. He advised writers to consider their audience carefully, to build their arguments logically, and to appeal to both the intellect and emotions of their readers.

One of the most enduring aspects of Franklin’s counsel was his emphasis on continuous improvement. He believed in the value of lifelong learning and self-improvement, a philosophy he applied to his writing. His revisions of The Autobiography illustrate this commitment, showing how he continually refined his narrative to communicate his ideas better.

In terms of practical advice, Franklin was a proponent of plain language. He believed simplicity and directness were key to effective communication. This principle is evident in his numerous aphorisms and maxims, which distill complex ideas into memorable, pithy statements.

Franklin’s influence extended beyond his own writing. As a founder of the Junto, a club for mutual improvement, he fostered a community of thinkers and writers who engaged in vigorous debate and shared their works for critique. This collaborative spirit helped to raise the standard of writing and thinking among his peers.

His legacy is also evident in the institutions he helped to establish, such as the American Philosophical Society and the University of Pennsylvania, which promoted the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. These institutions provided platforms for writers and scholars to develop and disseminate their work.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin’s counsel to writers was grounded in his experiences and achievements. His emphasis on clarity, purpose, continuous improvement, and his support for intellectual communities have impacted American literature and thought. His words and actions continue to inspire writers to strive for excellence and to use their craft to contribute to the betterment of society.

Franklin’s study, his writings, and the institutions he founded remain a testament to his belief in the power of the written word. For writers seeking to make their mark, his advice is as relevant today as it was in the 18th century: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

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