One of Benjamin Franklin's most memorable aphorisms in The Road to Riches is the phrase "There is no gain without pain" (2). This phrase has entered the American lexicon and become an established aphorism that represents the American work ethic and the broader ethos of United States culture and economics. Immediately preceding this aphorism, Franklin, via poor Richard, suggests that “he who lives in hope shall die fasting” (2). Here, Franklin emphasizes that it is not enough to hope for vitality in one's life. To succeed, one must be determined to accomplish the task before him and rely on his own merit rather than that of God or the State. Here, Franklin argues for a kind of individual self-determination that will become the foundation of American thought for years to come. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Franklin's broader argument is in favor of self-determination and independence. Franklin was fiercely opposed to continued British rule across the Atlantic. He believed that the Americans were ready to assert domination over themselves. Immediately after this famous aphorism, poor Richard, via Franklin, says: "Help me, for I have no lands, or if I have, they are heavily taxed" (2). Franklin argues forcefully that one of the most important aspects of self-government is taxation with representation. The British imposition of taxes without representation in Parliament at Westminster was a primary issue for Franklin. Indeed, Franklin asserts that the American people have the know-how and ability to build their own state, but they simply do not have any semblance of authority over their own lands. Franklin offers this advice in order to convince the American people that they need to not be dependent on the British state. He writes that “he who has a profession has a field, and he who has a vocation has a function of profit and honor” (2). The British ruled largely on a system based on hereditary right to land that seemed arbitrary to many free-thinking Americans. In Franklin's terms, the men who owned the land necessarily had a stake in the long-term vitality and day-to-day operations of the state. Therefore, there needed to be more representation in government than the established British system allowed. However, Franklin argued that it was hard work and self-determination, not just land ownership, that required American self-government. Unlike the British system, it was not enough to inherit land, it had to be earned through merit and example throughout one's own life. Franklin's mission is not entirely secular. Even though Poor Richard's aphorism centers on self-determination, without relying on other external forces, there is still room for the inclusion, even if brief mention, of God. Poor Richard says that “God helps those who help themselves” (!). This phrase can be interpreted in different ways. On the one hand, Franklin could be dismissive of God by using irony to convey the idea that God has little involvement in the financial enterprises of ordinary people. However, on the other hand, Franklin could also infer that self-determined entrepreneurs manifest the American spirit of self-reliance and independence that the Puritans first established in their alliance with God in the New World. In both cases poor Richard advises the common man to rely on his ownabilities and actions instead of hoping for God's blessing and intervention. Franklin also links his notion of autonomy to the vitality of the individual body and government. In some ways, maintaining personal health and that of government and society as a whole are comparable. Franklin writes: “You would think that a harsh government that had to tax its people a tenth of the time would be employed in its service. But idleness imposes much more on many of us” (1). The perception of unfair taxation was a major incentive for the American colonies to secede from the British and seek independence. Taxation without representation and unjust governance were a major problem for the revolutionaries. However, Franklin says laziness may be worse. He declares that “laziness, by causing illness, absolutely shortens life” (1). Although taxation can potentially negatively impact the functioning of government and society, laziness necessarily reduces personal health and prevents the individual from achieving success. In this sense, the limits of laziness reflect the rigor of unjust taxation in Franklin's eyes. Franklin emphasizes the importance of time for self-determination and industry. He advises that if “you love life, then don’t waste time, because that’s what life is made of” (1). Franklin's aphorism is that time is the essence of life. In order to validate your life, you must use your time wisely and prudently. You have to work hard to justify your existence. As poor Richard says, Franklin declares that “if time is of all things the most precious, to waste time must be, as poor Richard says, the greatest prodigality” (1). Franklin is very critical of laziness in addition to his praise of hard work through the "no pain, no gain" mentality. Franklin sees laziness and industry as opposites. He writes that “laziness makes all things difficult, but industry easy” (2). Franklin's maxim is that ordinary people can accomplish great things when they work hard and put their skills to good use. This principle governed the American Revolution and Franklin's conviction to build a new democratic society. Establishing an American work ethic is a priority for Franklin. We must develop a new society piecemeal. In order to create a new nation truly independent of the financial whims of powerful foreigners, domestic industry must be successfully established. Franklin advises: “Conduct your own business, don’t let it lead you” (2). While time and tax concerns are always important and must be considered, the effective entrepreneur takes charge. These principles must be respected in many aspects of life. For example, poor Richard proclaims that “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, rich and wise” (2). Personal health, prosperity, and intellectual success are all linked for Franklin. Just like establishing a new democratic state, the individual must achieve the three virtues. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Franklin is hopeful about the American vision. He states that “In the worker, hunger appears, but it does not dare to enter” (2). Franklin gives advice to the average American struggling against British imperial power. Here Franklin offers a brilliant and positive analysis of the struggles of daily life in the colonies, and he suggests that the industry and spirit of the American people will ultimately triumph over British hegemony. In.