MDDM Ben Franklin

[jbor]

on 17/1/02 1:42 PM, Bandwraith at aol.com at Bandwraith at aol.com wrote:

> It is significant, as the plot unfolds, that Franklin is encountered
> first- the quantum description of reality is more fundamental, and
> more importantly, time independent. Washington's paranoia about
> simultaneity- "Marvel of instant Communication" and his obsession
> with Time  "Our greatest problem as Time" signify that Mt. Vernon
> is in the classical domain.

These are Franklin's words, "back in Philadelphia". (287.21)

Pynchon seems to have the historical Franklin pegged, for it was certainly
during this time that Ben was busy travelling around and 'inspecting' all
the post offices in the major towns, gauging their efficiency, but probably
waiting expectantly for the latest news from his various sources around the
traps. Little wonder that he was so concerned to glean whatever information
he could from Cha. and Jere., or that he is so paranoid about other
interlopers on what he perceives as "his" patch (i.e. the Jesuits).

As well, from all accounts the section of his autobiography on "The 13
Virtues" was something Ben was working on in the early 1760s.

http://student-www.uchicago.edu/~ahkissel/frank/franklinlondon.html

Letter to Lord Kames 1760, p. 765: Franklin is preparing a work for the
benefit of youth--and adults too--on The Art of Virtue (cf. Autobiog.; Poor
Richard). We all want to lead good, moral lives; this book will teach HOW to
do it (cf. Autobiog.). This is more like a CRAFT of virtue. Virtue acquired
by nature, but also by habit (cf. Arist.), as well as though habits arising
out of faith (for Christians esp.). This book is directed to those with a
weak faith who still want to become good. Doing so is easiest with habits
acquired in youth (cf. Arist.), but the principles are universal.

As we saw earlier, styling himself as "a Schoolmaster for Idiots" (271.6),
humility was ranked lowest amongst old Ben's virtues:

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/franklin-virtue.html

best