Embracing the Franklin Polymath Virtues
An Insight for the Modern Dentist
-By Dr. DeAngelo S. Webster
In the records of American history, few figures loom as large as Benjamin Franklin, the emblematic polymath who contributed to literature, science, philosophy, and politics. To envision ourselves as dentists in the Franklinian sense is not merely to be practitioners of the art of dentistry. It’s about striving for that greater ideal Franklin embodied – the polymath, the virtuous individual, the master of balance.
Let’s turn our attention to an aspect of Franklin’s philosophy, famously documented in his autobiography (Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson): his list of thirteen virtues. These virtues – temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility – were more than mere words to Franklin. They were navigational tools that helped him charter the course of his life, steering him towards self-improvement and personal excellence.
Extraordinary success often lies in simple, overlooked strategies, which serve as a fundamental foundation for our daily actions. Thus, it’s within the embrace of these virtues that dentists can unlock their path to becoming modern polymaths, pursuing continuous learning and striving for balance in their professional and personal lives.
Take the virtue of industry, for example. For Franklin, “industry” – to be industrious – wasn’t just about hard work. It was a mindset, an ethos of tireless improvement and innovation. Historical records vividly capture Franklin’s innovative spirit – his development of the lightning rod, his mapping of the Gulf Stream, his invention of the Franklin stove. Industry, in this sense, is the lifeblood of progress. For dentists, it could mean exploring the latest dental research, refining their techniques, optimizing their business systems, or investing in state-of-the-art equipment.
Then there’s the virtue of silence, which Franklin defined as, “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.” This is particularly resonant in a dentist’s profession. How often have we encountered patients carrying anxiety, apprehension, even fear? A well-timed word, a comforting assurance, or sometimes, the choice to simply listen, could ease their worries, illustrating the power and impact of the virtue of silence.
Franklin’s approach to balance in life offers another invaluable insight. He was a scientist, an inventor, a statesman, and a philosopher, continually broadening his knowledge and skills, never limiting himself to a single domain. As dentists, we too can strive for such holistic growth. This could mean venturing into the realm of psychology to understand patient behavior better or delving into management principles to run our practices more efficiently. It could mean exploring public health policy or contributing to dental research.
As we embark on this journey, it’s worth noting that Franklin didn’t conceive these virtues as a checklist but as a mirror. He meticulously tracked his adherence to these virtues, using them as a reflective tool to understand his shortcomings and drive his progress. We, too, can employ this strategy, utilizing these virtues as benchmarks, not for perfection, but for continual improvement and growth. We see this elsewhere in the globe with the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.
Embracing the Franklinian philosophy is about transcending the confines of being ‘just dentists.’ It’s about embracing the polymath within, integrating a commitment to lifelong learning, balance, and the thirteen virtues in our lives. It’s about the tireless pursuit of self-improvement and the relentless endeavor to polish the mirror of our professional identity. By following the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin, we can bring about a profound transformation in our practices and our lives, truly embodying the essence of a polymath in the realm of dentistry.
An example of this mindset showcased by a public figure in dentistry is Dr. Warren Woodruff. Operator of the ‘What Are You More Than?” podcast – which focuses on exploring areas of life development which a professional may explore beyond the operatory.
Adding to our existing narrative, we must address a central aspect of Franklin’s polymathic nature – his curiosity and willingness to delve into various interests beyond his main line of work. This exploration, often unrelated to his principal profession, not only contributed to his personal growth but also shaped him into a more well-rounded and effective individual.
Consider Franklin’s fascination with the natural world, most notably his experiments with electricity. He was not a full-time scientist, yet his curiosity led him to discover the principles governing electricity, a seemingly distant domain from his career as a printer and statesman. He invented the lightning rod, forever transforming our understanding of electricity and its practical applications.
What does this mean for you, the modern dentist? Here lies an invitation to cultivate your interests outside of your primary field, to stoke the fires of curiosity. Whether it’s a passion for photography, an interest in coding, or a love for music, these endeavors serve dual purposes. They enrich your life, offering creative outlets and personal fulfillment, while simultaneously nurturing qualities that can enhance your dental practice.
Let’s illustrate this with a real-world example. Imagine a dentist with a passion for painting – such as my wife. Or my friend and colleague Dr. Katie Hammel. The patience, the eye for detail, the appreciation of aesthetic harmony developed through painting can translate into their dental practice, improving their precision and enhancing their aesthetic judgment in cosmetic dentistry. In this way, an unrelated passion indirectly fosters professional growth.
Similarly, a dentist who cultivates an interest in psychology could become more empathetic, understanding patient anxieties better, and thus delivering more compassionate care. A hobby in technology or coding could lead a dentist to develop more efficient ways to store patient records or create innovative appointment scheduling software. In this podcast between myself and Dr. Scott Waltman (CBT Therapist) you can see the application of using Socratic Questioning to improve rapport, understanding, and case acceptance with dental patients.
This exploration outside the confines of dentistry not only builds a more comprehensive individual but also enriches the dental practice. Each new skill acquired, each hobby pursued, contributes to a broader worldview, a more diverse skill set, and a richer human experience.
As we venture beyond our dental practices, delving into the labyrinth of our interests, we inadvertently stumble upon new pathways that lead us back to our core, often in unexpected ways. This is the power of the polymathic journey. It allows us to step beyond the boundaries of dentistry, and in doing so, we find ourselves returning, bearing gifts of newfound knowledge, perspective, and inspiration that enhance our practice and our lives.
In this way, the quest for personal and professional growth converges, demonstrating that to be better dentists, we must first strive to be better, more comprehensive individuals. The Franklinian philosophy is not just about becoming a polymath; it’s about recognizing that we are inherently polymathic. All we need to do is embrace it.
-Dr. DeAngelo S. Webster
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