The Autobiography and Poor Richard’s Almanac clearly expresses the nature of American identity during Franklin’s time. Franklin’s statements provide encouragement and factual information based upon his thirteen virtues of self-improvement. The virtues were temperance; silence; order; resolution; frugality; industry; sincerity; justice; moderation; cleanliness; tranquility; chastity; and humility. He tried to give Americans an example of perfection- himself. He gave Americans a standard of how they should look and behave morally. He recorded how many times he failed with one virtue each week. These recordings helped him to establish better habits as a person. Americans saw him as a common man working hard to save, live righteously, and
