A Biography of Benjamin Franklin

A Biography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was born into modest circumstances. With sixteen

brothers and sisters, there was no room for selfishness. He learned

early on the importance of putting others before himself and did not

have excessively ambitious plans for the future. As a child, Franklin

"...had a strong inclination for the Sea," but his father would not

hear of it. He ended up indentured to an older brother, who began his

life as a printer. He was a hard worker but preferred to read books,

conquer new subject matter, and engage in debates with other young

scholars. His hard work did pay off in the financial sense later in

life, but of more importance to him was the knowledge and

enlightenment he received through his "hobbies." He became well known

for his work ethic, strong morals and giving persona throughout

Philadelphia, throughout America, and eventually throughout western

civilization. Although he ultimately acquired considerable wealth,

Benjamin Franklin prioritized the betterment of his character,

intellect and reputation over the betterment of his financial

situation.

While still relatively young, Benjamin Franklin laid out guidelines on

how to remain virtuous and content throughout his entire life. These

guidelines contained thirteen virtues which he followed to the best of

his ability. It was a "bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral

Perfection (84)." In this guideline of virtues, Franklin lists

Industry and Frugality. His definition of Frugality goes, "Make no

Expence but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste Nothing

(85)." Following this virtue was beneficial to Franklin throughout hi...

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... (97)," so he avoided it at great costs. Franklin was money

conscious, but not money hungry.

Because Benjamin Franklin prioritized the improvement of his

character, intellect, and reputation above all else, he was put into a

situation where obtaining a substantial wealth was relatively easy.

His outstanding character and impressive intellect gained him a

considerable reputation. Consequently, his reputation gained him

additional business and placed him in civic positions, which also

contributed to his income. Wealth, therefore, was a by-product. Being

rich was not as important to Benjamin Franklin as being somebody, and

because he truly became somebody, he was also successful in both a

financial sense and a personal sense. For after obtaining a notable

character, intellect, and reputation, he had conquered his goals.