The validity of Benjamin Franklin's idea that certain virtues lead to success and happiness has much validity but has diminished greatly since Franklin's time. Many of the virtues that were discussed by Franklin in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, have great meaning today, but do not necessarily take on the same meanings that Franklin defined in his day. By using these virtues Franklin seemed to be striving for a moral perfection (C.P., 50). His moral perfection seemed to consist of a lifestyle that would put work for and play nowhere. This would generally mean that you should engage in all activities as if it would benefit you and others in many ways. In simpler terms, he means you should not waste time in life by engaging in activities, or speaking nonsense that doesn't move your forward in a progression sense.
             America as a whole focuses on one goal, and this would be the pursuit of happiness. The pursuit of happiness to many people is to be wealthy, having a good relationship with their Superior, and to live life as an ever-going trip of accomplishing feats. Americans in Franklin's time people had to strive to do many things due to the fact that many things were not guaranteed to them. There were no handouts in these times. There was no government support for anyone who was needy. If one came into the world needy, there would be no way for them to escape that poverty without having to work themselves out of it. Americans of today do not have it extremely easy, but in most cases it is a hell of a lot easier to accomplish things due to the fact that life has changed so much. Life from Franklin's time to now has changed in the fact that many things such as government programs have been formed to help people start companies, assisting in medical attention, and even financial stability. Life today is a lot easier than in those colonial times. Maybe inexperience and the new formation of Ameri...