Ben Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. He held numerous jobs throughout his lifetime including author, printer, inventor, scientist, postmaster, political theorist, statesman, diplomat, and civic activist. As a scientist he made significant contributions to the history of physics and American innovation through his experiments and discoveries with electricity. He was given the title “The First American” because of his early work with the new colony. He also gave important credibility to the newly forming American nation through his work as an author, spokesman in London, and as the first American ambassador to France. Franklin defined his vision of what a true American should be, reconciling practical values such as hard work, saving, education, self-sufficient institutions and freedom from political and religious oppression, with the scientific and tolerance-based values of the intellectual movement (Southgate 2007).

Who was Benjamin Franklin? It would be hard to fully explain all he was, what he believed and everything he accomplished. Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a native of England, and his mother was Abiah Folger of Massachusetts. Although he had limited education (it ended when he was 10), he loved to read and he taught himself to become the notable writer he was. Among his various careers, he was once a statesman, author, publisher, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. Douglas Anderson, the author of the nonfiction book The Radical Enlightenments of Benjamin Franklin, published in 1997 by The Johns Hopkins University Press, talks about the implications of Franklin’s work both in London and British North America. Anderson examines Franklin’s religion, scientific, and political thinking. The author’s thesis is a result of Benjamin Franklin’s, one of the most influential men in American history, involvement in all the different fields mentioned above and how it shaped North America.

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts January 17, 1706. Benjamin Franklin was one of a ton of children. His father's name was Josiah Franklin. He made soap to take care of his family. Benjamin Franklin’s mother’s name was Abiah Folger, she was Josiah's second wife in his life. Josiah was a father and caretaker of 17 children. Benjamin Franklin lived in a large and poor family.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a multi-talented person. He was a printer, and inventor, and a writer. As a writer, he wrote many publications but among this vast collection was a small piece in which Franklin states his beliefs on what may be the proper task to being morally perfect. His opinions are brief; yet complete enough to be considered descript enough to follow. His steps are insightful but just as much vague.

Benjamin Franklin took pride in almost every aspect of his life. There are many instances in which one could call him a vain man. Franklin writes to Ezra Stiles and speaks of his portrait being hung at Yale. Franklin complains that the portraits he has of himself do his stunning features no justice, and are certainly not worthy to be hung at Yale. He suggests that a new portrait be painted. Franklin clearly has issues as to how he will be remembered, and also how obsessed the man is with his looks. He writes, “I do not think any one of the portraits you mention, as in my possession, worthy of the place and company you propose to place it in. You have an excellent artist lately arrived. If he will undertake to make one for you, I shall cheerfully pay the expense.” This vanity of Franklin’s is presented in his “Apology for Printers” as well. He argues that printers print silly things not worth reading not because they want to, but because people are uneducated and like to read mindless garbage. Franklin, in his mind, has set himself on a higher pedestal than the everyday man. He has a better education therefore he is a better person. He writes, “They sometimes print vicious or silly things not worth reading, it may not be because they approve such things themselves, but because the people are so viciously and corruptly educated that good things are not encouraged.” Franklin also presents a vain attitude toward religion. He goes as far in his letter to Ezra Stiles as to indicate Jesus Christ as merely a good philosopher, and he himself does not care to take the time that religion requires. He believes that he will find the truth for himself. The man put himself above others’ intelligence and beliefs and disregarded them as distractions and wastes of time for him. He says, “I have, with most of the present Dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity; tho’ it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble.” Franklin clearly displays his vanity throughout his writings.

Peter Wright Dr. Markay Hist. 251-005 8 February 2014 The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin Issues A “self-made man” is someone who went from ‘rags to riches.’ He skyrockets through social classes.

Benjamin Franklin-Scientist and Inventor Benjamin Franklin has influenced American technology, and indirectly, lifestyles by using his proficiencies and intelligence to conduct numerous experiments, arrive at theories, and produce several inventions. Franklin's scientific and analytical mind enabled him to generate many long lasting achievements which contributed to the development and refinement of modern technology. Few national heroes, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, played a more significant role in shaping the American way of life than Franklin. According to Fowler, "He personified the ideal of the self-made man, and his rise from obscurity to eminence exemplified the American dream" (32). Looby adds, "The study of Franklin's image for the past two centuries shows that his legacy had a distinctive place in American culture" (85).

Benjamin Franklin, was an American printer, diplomat, scientist and philosopher who made many contributions to the American Revolution and the newly form Federal Government that followed. Today, he is recognized as one of America’s greatest inventors.

Benjamin Franklin’s inventions were as revolutionary as the century itself. Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts January 17, 1706. Franklin grew up to be a great man who would help greatly in the creation of our nation. Although Ben Franklin is greatly known, not much attention is put into his great inventions; the Franklin stove, bifocals, and the mapping of the Gulf Stream where some of his inventions. Franklin’s inventions all had different impacts on the lives of people.

I like how you chose determination as Benjamin Franklin's key in life success. It is true that Franklin wrote in his autobiography that being motivated and staying true to our goals can really affect the approaches we have in our daily lives. Understanding that courage is needed to faced obstacles that may bring us down is another aspect that Franklin was explaining about. In order to receive things in life, each individual have to put in their own efforts and time into the task and continue to work on their goals even if difficult obstacles pop in from time to time. In modern life, people have to stand on their feet and face the struggles that are encounter in their daily routines. From personal experiences, I do believe that determination