1. American Enlightenment
The Declaration of Independence
John Trumbull, 1818
American Enlightenment

2. Big Ideas of the American Enlightenment
Rationalism
Science/Logic
God as Clockmaker
Deism
Community Service
Self- Improvement
Neoclassical style
Built in calendar, garden
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

3. Deism Universe is orderly and good Humanity is good
Individual is perfectible through reason
God’s objective is happiness of creation (all creatures)
Sought principles that united all religions
God is available to all people all of the time
Best form of worship is to help others
source
Elements of Literature 13-18

4. Self-Improvement: for a nation and for individuals
Toward Perfection
Self-evident truths
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
All men are created equal
Where have we heard those words before? (Hint: It was written by the guy to the left.)
What oversights? See Abigail Adams: on women (Elements of Lit 125)—remember the ladies
Slaves? American Indians?
Self-Improvement: for a nation and for individuals

5. Benjamin Franklin Aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanac
He that lieth with dogs, shall rise up with fleas.
A good example is the best sermon.
Three may keep a secret if two are dead.
Fish and visitors smell in three days.
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked and never well mended.
A small leak will sink a great ship.
What can we tell about the culture of the Enlightenment from Franklin’s aphorisms?
source
Aphorisms from Poor Richard’s Almanac

6. Achieving Moral Perfection from The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin
Temperance
Justice
Silence
Moderation
Order
Cleanliness
Resolution
Tranquility
Frugality
Chastity
Industry
Humility
Sincerity
What would we agree with/ not agree with now?
What words don’t you know?
Also in textbook (86)
See packet, page 29