Franklin on Education

Franklin’s letter to Noah Webster, publisher of the English dictionary still so famous today, contains his central message from many writings on education. He viewed education as a necessary and critical service that should be available to anyone in a community. With the advent of printing and increased distribution, such a goal was becoming ever more attainable. He notes how Webster’s subject- that of language- is a key factor in the dissemination of knowledge, “it enables Authors to inculcate and spread through other Nations such Sentiments and Opinions on important Points, as are most conducive to its Interests, or which may6 contribute to its Reputation by promoting the common Interests of Mankind”. It is important for people to be able to understand and read a language such that the texts and thoughts expressed in that language can be reasonably propagated throughout the world. Franklin notes that a growing number of “excellent printed Sermons in our Language, and the Freedom of our Writings on political Subjects, have induced a Number of Divines of different Sects and Nations, as well as Gentlemen concerned in Public Affairs, to study it; so far at least as to read it”. As America grew its international reputation, and came to be a center of intellectual thought and discussion, it was becoming ever more important for English to be easily understood. However, as Franklin notes, the opposite was occurring. “Improvements backwards”, as he called them were occurring to satisfy publisher’s desire for uniformity of appearance that detracted from document’s intended message and emphasis.

Although the United States and England are still considered centers of intellectual thought, and many conferences and such worldwide are commonly held in English, it remains one of the most challenging languages to learn. When I read writings of Franklin’s era, I immediately become jealous of their impeccable grammar and eloquent use of language. With all of the ridiculous colloquialisms we have today, the slang terms, and so on, it seems like our language is deteriorating faster than ever before. At the same time, English’s presence in our educational system is waning in its prevalence, serving to only expedite the inability of individuals to properly express their theories and beliefs. In my (biased) opinion, literary and compositional education is as important as any other focus, and should be a central factor in every level of schooling, from elementary level to university studies.