René Descartes’ method approaches a change in man in quite the drastic way compared to Franklin’s views. To make sure that the man knows only what is absolutely certain, he must denounce all formerly held beliefs and knowledge acquired through formal education or personal experiences. The man must start completely fresh, and in order to gain that absolutely certain knowledge, a mathematical-like method must be followed. First, one must accept things only known to be true, second, one must then divide any questions or experimentations into as many parts as possible, so that the most “adequate solution” may be obtained (Descartes, Part II). Third, these questions must be tackled from the simplest ones to the most complex, and finally, complete the answers fully and review them frequently to ensure full understanding. Additionally, Descartes acknowledges the fact that this may not work for everyone who tries it, but that it has certainly worked for him.
Benjamin Franklin’s plan is very different from Descartes’ proposed ideas. Franklin’s plan focuses on moral perfection instead of Descartes’ goal in obtaining ultimate truth and certainty. Because of this, Franklin’s plan is approached very differently compared to Descartes’ mathematical method; Franklin focuses instead on ethical qualities, determined in acquiring “the habitude of all these virtues” (Franklin, IX, 3rd Paragraph). Another difference in approach is Franklin’s belief that the change in self should be gradual, “that the contrary habits must be broken, and good ones acquired and established, before we can have any dependence on a steady, uniform rectitude of conduct” (Franklin, IX, 1st Paragraph). Instead of getting rid of all his past habits, beliefs, and knowledge like Descartes’ plan mandates, Franklin embraces his past ways of life and his plan includes integrating each virtue into his daily life gradually. This is so that they may be fully assimilated into him and so that he may feel proud after seeing the progress he has recorded in his memorandum book.
Also differing from Descartes, Franklin soon learns to accept any flaws in his own moral perfection, writing, “a benevolent man should allow a few faults in himself” (IX, 7th Paragraph). As opposed to Descartes’ views that one should not accepted faulty ideas, Franklin embraces the flaws he discovers in himself from following his plan. From this, Franklin becomes an overall happier man, who learns how to rid himself of his pride and through this, becomes someone who is easy to get along with for he no longer is aggressive in giving his opinions. Another difference in Franklin and Descartes’ approaches is that Franklin implies his belief in everyone who attempts a similar plan. Contrary to Descartes, who provides a disclaimer that he has only tried his method on himself and therefore it may not work on everyone else, Franklin suggests his firm belief that as long as one has “tolerable abilities” and has a “good plan,” he will “work great changes” and “accomplish great affairs among mankind” (IX, 19th Paragraph).