Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Printer, writer, inventor, scientist, and diplomat.
One of the most accomplished Americans of the eighteenth century. Benjamin Franklin received relatively little formal schooling. His family could not afford to provide him with an extensive education, and he began working at a young age.
Yet Franklin developed a lifelong commitment to learning. He read extensively, practiced his writing, studied scientific questions, and deliberately worked to improve his personal habits.
Over time, he became a successful printer, influential writer, inventor, scientist, and statesman.
By 1780, the year of today's fictional courtroom proceedings, Franklin was serving as an American diplomat in France, helping secure support for the American Revolution. Franklin's achievements raise an interesting question.
How much of his success resulted from natural intelligence, and how much resulted from his willingness to cultivate his abilities?
Now consider Sydney Carton.
We have seen evidence of his intelligence, but we know little about his willingness to develop or apply it.
Questions for Consideration:
1. Would Franklin have accomplished as much without his commitment to self-education?
2. Can someone with ordinary natural abilities accomplish more than someone with extraordinary intelligence?
3. Is potential determined by the abilities we possess or by our willingness to develop them?
4. Based on what you have read, what might Carton learn from Franklin?
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Sydney Carton is intelligent, capable, compassionate, self-destructive, and deeply dissatisfied with his life.
His potential is evident, but his accomplishments are limited. His habits are troubling, but his character contains admirable qualities. His reputation is unfavorable, but Lucie recognizes something in him that others have overlooked.
Perhaps the greatest mistake we can make when judging another person is to assume that who they are today represents everything they are capable of becoming. Yet there is an equally dangerous mistake: assuming that possessing the potential for greatness is equivalent to achieving it. Potential without action remains unrealized. Character without conviction may fail when tested. Reputation without substance is little more than appearance.
The challenge is not simply to possess admirable qualities or to be regarded favorably by others. It is to develop the discipline, courage, and integrity necessary to become the person we are capable of being. When ...
