Personal freedom and independence in the works of Benjamin Franklin and Henry ThoreauIt is an indisputable fact that the contribution of eminent philosophers, writers, political and social activists such as Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreau in the development of the American state is extraordinary. The literary works of both men can serve as a manifesto of national and personal liberation, a call to build a better society, where every citizen can live and work freely. Indeed, both Henry Thoreau and Benjamin Franklin emphasize an individual's independence and freedom, but they do so in significantly different ways. These differences may be related to their different worldview, life positions, philosophies or interests. However, this fact cannot detract from the obvious uniqueness and importance of Thoreau and Franklin's literary heritage. Benjamin Franklin's conception of independence and freedom of the individual Benjamin Franklin was a scholar and lexicographer, a representative of the American Enlightenment, ideologue of the national liberation movement. It should be noted that Franklin was one of the most active participants in the struggle of the American people for independence. He condemned slavery and ardently defended the rights of America's national minorities. The basis of Benjamin Franklin's political views is the concept of the natural and inalienable rights of the individual. Franklin attributes life, liberty, and property to such natural rights. According to Benjamin Franklin, a man is simply “a tool-making animal,” a creature whose freedom and, therefore, independence is limited (Houston 45). In his Dissertation on Liberty and Necessity, Pleasure and Pain, Benjamin Franklin stated that every...... middle of paper......y, considering citizenship and working for the benefit of society, while Henry Thoreau emphasizes the illusory nature and imperfection of the State and sees individual freedom in unity with nature and the rejection of pseudo-needs that enslave people. Works Cited Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. New York and Cincinnati: American Book Company, 1896. Web. June 5, 2012. Houston, Alan. Franklin: The Autobiography and Other Writings on Politics, Economics, and Virtue. New York: Cambridge UP, 2008. Print.Lupo, Abraham. History of science, technology and philosophy in the eighteenth century. New York: MacMillan Press, 1968. Web. June 5, 2012. Thoreau, Henry David. Walden: A Fully Annotated Edition. New Heaven: Yale UP, 2004. Print.Myerson, Joel. The Cambridge Companion by Henry David Thoreau. New York: Cambridge UP, 1995. Print.