January 26 - The Better Bird: Benjamin Franklin’s Choice for America
Cultivating Character That Honors God
This is the day Benjamin Franklin argued against the bald eagle as America's national symbol in 1784.
In today's lesson, we will explore Benjamin Franklin's surprising critique of America's national symbol and discover timeless truths about the difference between outward appearances and inner character. What qualities truly matter to God? How can we develop genuine character in a world obsessed with image?
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." - 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
This Date in History
Benjamin Franklin's keen wit and sharp observations often challenged conventional wisdom. On January 26, 1784, in a letter to his daughter Sarah Bache, Franklin penned his famous critique of the bald eagle as America's national symbol. The 77-year-old statesman and founding father had just returned from France, where he had served as America's first diplomat. His letter offers a glimpse into his character, blending humor, sharp moral commentary, and observations of the natural world.
Franklin famously criticized the bald eagle as "a bird of bad moral character," accusing it of lazily stealing fish from the hard-working osprey and retreating from attacks by smaller birds. In contrast, he championed the turkey as a "more respectable bird" and "a true original native of America," praising its courage. He noted, with a touch of humor, that a turkey would "not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on."
The debate over a national symbol, however, was far more complicated than Franklin’s witty critique suggests. The process began in 1776, when Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams were tasked with designing the Great Seal of the United States. After their initial designs were rejected, the task fell to additional committees and, finally, to Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress. In 1782, Thomson proposed the bald eagle as the central emblem. He chose it for its majestic appearance, association with strength and freedom, and long-standing symbolism in European heraldry, where eagles often represented power and sovereignty. The bald eagle also had practical significance, being a species unique to North America and instantly recognizable for its striking features.
This choice reflected the aspirations of the young nation. Thomson added further symbolism by equipping the eagle with an olive branch (peace) and a bundle of thirteen arrows (war), representing the United States’ dual commitment to diplomacy and defense. By the time Franklin wrote his letter in 1784, the bald eagle had already become the official emblem of the nation’s identity, appearing on the Great Seal and other symbols of government authority.
Franklin’s humorous critique, while never gaining serious political traction, reflected his keen naturalist's eye. He was correct in observing the bald eagle’s tendency toward kleptoparasitism, or stealing fish from ospreys and other birds. Meanwhile, his glowing description of the turkey highlighted its intelligence and territorial instincts, traits often overlooked in domesticated breeds. His observations provide insight into how Franklin used the natural world as a lens to explore moral and cultural themes.
The timing of Franklin's remarks was significant. America was still shaping its identity after gaining independence. Symbols like the Great Seal, and the bald eagle prominently featured on it, were critical in defining how the nation saw itself and wished to be seen by the world. While Franklin’s preference for the turkey was likely intended as a humorous counterpoint, his critique invites reflection on the deeper values America sought to project. Should the national symbol embody strength and majesty, or virtue and humility?
Ultimately, Franklin's preference for the turkey never gained momentum. The bald eagle remained America’s enduring symbol, appearing on official seals, currency, and documents. Even so, his letter offers a fascinating window into the early debates over American identity and the moral lessons Franklin so often derived from nature. The eagle, despite its flaws, continues to represent the strength, resilience, and grandeur that Americans have long aspired to project. Franklin’s witty reflections remind us of the ongoing tension between practicality and idealism in the nation’s story.
Historical Context
The United States in 1784 was a nation in transition, having emerged victorious from the Revolutionary War but still grappling with its new identity. The Articles of Confederation governed the loose alliance of states, while political leaders worked to establish diplomatic relations with European powers. Franklin himself had just completed successful negotiations of the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the Revolutionary War and secured British recognition of American independence.
The debate over national symbols reflected deeper questions about American identity and values. The Great Seal's design process had involved three committees and multiple revisions between 1776 and 1782. The selection of American symbols represented more than mere decoration. They needed to communicate the new nation's strength and authority to foreign powers while also expressing its unique character and aspirations to its own citizens.
Did You Know?
When Franklin served on the first Great Seal committee in 1776, he actually proposed a biblical scene for the design: Moses parting the Red Sea while Pharaoh's army drowned.
Franklin's letter about the turkey was private correspondence with his daughter Sarah Bache, not an official proposal to change the national symbol.
Wild turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour and fly in short bursts at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.
Franklin had extensive experience with both eagles and turkeys through his scientific observations and studies of electricity, often documenting animal behavior in his journals.
During the debates over the Great Seal design, several committee members initially suggested other birds, including a rooster and a dove.
The bald eagle population in 1784 was estimated at 100,000 pairs in the continental United States, compared to fewer than 10,000 pairs by 1963 when conservation efforts began.
Today’s Reflection
Benjamin Franklin's critique of America's national symbol sparked an intriguing debate about the difference between outward majesty and inner character. His preference for the humble turkey over the magnificent bald eagle wasn't just about birds. It reflected a deeper truth that God consistently emphasizes throughout Scripture: true worth lies in character rather than appearance.
As we read in 1 Peter 3:3-4, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."
We live in a culture obsessed with image. Social media platforms overflow with carefully curated presentations of our lives. Companies invest millions in brand image. Churches sometimes focus more on their facilities and programs than spiritual depth. Like the majestic eagle that impressed everyone except Franklin, these outer displays can mask inner realities that fall far short of God's standards.
Franklin observed how the eagle, despite its impressive appearance, displayed poor character by stealing food from other birds and retreating from smaller adversaries. His naturalist's eye recognized that true nobility lay not in magnificent appearance but in genuine character. Similarly, God sees past our carefully maintained facades to examine our hearts. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us, "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
The humble turkey that Franklin championed displayed qualities he considered more admirable: courage, industriousness, and authenticity. These characteristics mirror the spiritual qualities God values in His people. Rather than seeking to impress others with outer displays of spirituality, we are called to cultivate inner beauty through consistent faithfulness, genuine humility, and quiet strength.
Just as Franklin recognized virtue in an unlikely source, God often works through those the world might overlook. 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." This truth should both challenge and encourage us. While the world champions external success and appearance, God values the hidden work of character development.
This contrast between appearance and character invites us to examine our own lives. Are we more concerned with how others perceive us than with who we truly are before God? Do we invest more time in maintaining appearances than in developing godly character? Like Franklin's honest assessment of national symbols, we need the courage to look past impressive facades and evaluate what truly matters.
Practical Application
Take time to examine an area of your life where you've been focused on maintaining appearances rather than developing genuine character. Write down specific character qualities you want to cultivate and create a practical plan for developing them through daily choices and actions. Consider areas like social media use, church involvement, or professional relationships where you might be tempted to prioritize image over substance.
THIS IS THE DAY Last Year
January 26 - Construction Begins on the Eiffel Tower
We explored the notion of constructing something eternal in our lives, just as the groundbreaking for the Eiffel Tower laid the foundation for an iconic monument. How are you building your spiritual legacy? What are the eternal elements in your life's construction?
Closing Prayer
Gracious Father, we thank You for Your perfect ability to see beyond our carefully maintained appearances to the truth of who we are. We acknowledge our tendency to focus on external impressions rather than internal growth. Help us develop the character qualities You value: humility, courage, faithfulness, and genuine love for others. Transform us from the inside out, making us more like Jesus with each passing day. In His name we pray, amen.
Final Thoughts
Franklin's unexpected defense of the turkey reminds us that God's standards often differ from worldly values. Our growth in Christ depends not on polished appearances but on the patient development of godly character. When we align our priorities with God's heart, we discover the lasting beauty of a spirit transformed by His grace.
Author’s Notes
I want to take a moment to thank over at American Faith & Freedom for allowing me to guest post (is that the right term?) my article from January 10 (Big Beefy Question: The Three Words That Changes Wendy’s). My articles don’t really lend themselves to reposting since they are formatted like devotionals, however, Jim did a masterful job of converting it to a format that worked better for his Substack while still retaining the history and the lesson. I encourage you to check out Three Words That Changed How We Must Think About Church and Jim’s other articles which are always great.
Jim has been a loyal reader and commentor here for a long time. We both recommend one another’s Substacks. His recommendation has sent me quite a few new subscribers. Check out his work if you get a chance. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Also, I’m open to providing guest posts (new articles) or reformulating lessons or articles for others if anyone is interested. Feel free to message me directly.
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I've always wondered considering this topic: How would we today perceive the turkey as our national symbol if we had never known anything else? Because all we've ever known is the bald eagle, the thought of having a turkey as our national symbol seems funny, but what if...?
The brilliant Free Mason Benjamin Franklin was a prophet as well as a genius. He somehow envisioned the USA as it looked in 1912 when Arizona first became a state. No one can deny that the lower 48 states do fit together like a puzzle and look like a turkey.
Of course, the Eagle, a majestic scavenger, is more beautiful than the turkey and I've heard that turkeys are so stupid they are in danger of drowning if they look upwards during a rainstorm.
If the True Loons in the USA have their way Tofurkey will be the nation's emblem.