Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), born in Boston, was a prominent American statesman, scientist, publisher, printer, journalist, writer, philanthropist, and diplomat. He was a Founding Father of the United States, participating in drafting several key documents and serving as America’s envoy to France, successfully securing French support for American independence. Franklin conducted multiple experiments with electricity, inventing the lightning rod, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. He also became the first Postmaster General of the United States.

Apprentice Printer at Age 12

Franklin was born into a modest family; his grandfather was a blacksmith and his father a candle and soap maker. Both parents were devout Puritans. His father owned a book titled “A Way to Wealth”, which greatly influenced Franklin’s life. At age 12, Franklin became an apprentice in a print shop. At 17, he moved to Philadelphia, then London for several months to work in a printing house, and eventually returned to Philadelphia to establish his own printing business, publishing newspapers and writings that earned him public respect. One of his books of maxims became especially popular.

“Poor Richard’s Almanack”

Franklin published Poor Richard’s Almanack (1732–1758), which included calendars, lunar charts, holidays, market days, household recipes, weather predictions, and life proverbs. Blank spaces in the almanac contained Franklin’s idioms, illustrations, and fables. It became a bestseller across the thirteen colonies. Aside from the Bible, many people read only Franklin’s almanac because “Poor Richard” taught hard work and honesty, embodying shared values and character traits.

At 25, Franklin co-founded Philadelphia’s first public library, with collections covering theology, history, literature, and science. Five years later, he established North America’s first volunteer fire company. At 37, he prepared to found a college, which eight years later became the University of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, he studied electricity and other scientific topics.

Invention of the Lightning Rod and Recognition

At 42, Franklin left his printing business to focus on research, discovering that electric charge has positive and negative poles and that both are conserved.

In 1751, Franklin founded Pennsylvania’s first hospital.

In 1752, he famously flew a kite in a thunderstorm, proving that lightning is electrical, leading to the invention of the lightning rod. The Royal Society of London recognized his work and elected him a fellow; Oxford University awarded him an honorary doctorate.

In addition to the lightning rod, Franklin invented a new type of stove, bifocal glasses, and a printing press, though he never patented his inventions, preferring to serve others.

Distinguished Diplomat

On February 13, 1766, Franklin represented the American colonies in the British House of Commons, arguing for the repeal of the Stamp Act. Over a four-hour session, he answered 174 questions. British philosopher Edmund Burke likened Franklin’s performance to a master teaching a class of students. Weeks later, the Stamp Act was repealed, and Franklin was hailed as a hero in the colonies.

In 1775, Franklin returned to North America from Britain, was elected as a Continental Congress delegate, and participated in drafting the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, he was sent to France as a diplomat, securing a French-American alliance that helped achieve victory in the Revolutionary War. He also helped negotiate the 1783 Treaty of Paris with Britain. His contribution to American independence was second only to George Washington.

In 1787, despite his old age and frailty, Franklin attended the Constitutional Convention, becoming the only Founding Father to sign all three of America’s most important documents: the Declaration of Independence, the 1783 Treaty of Paris, and the 1787 Constitution. That same year, he donated funds to establish a university named after him.

Model of Life Guidance

Franklin’s Autobiography is considered a guide to life. Writing in a conversational style, he shared his successes and failures with wisdom and humor. His work has influenced generations of Americans for over 200 years. Franklin exemplified self-education, self-improvement, and personal effort.

Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues

Temperance: Eat and drink in moderation.
Silence: Speak only when useful.
Order: Let everything have its place.
Resolution: Carry out decisions.
Frugality: Avoid waste.
Industry: Be productive, avoid idleness.
Sincerity: Be honest and sincere.
Justice: Harm none, and do not boast of good deeds.
Moderation: Avoid extremes and resentment.
Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in life and dress.
Tranquility: Do not worry over trifles.
Chastity: Exercise self-control and protect reputation.
Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Franklin had hoped to establish a new religious sect based on these virtues, but his political career prevented it.

Notable Quotes

To achieve great things, balance ideals with practicality and avoid extremes.
Act, even if small mistakes occur, but avoid major errors by inaction.
At 20, rely on will; at 30, on cleverness; at 40, on judgment.
To be loved, love others and be amiable.
Save minor expenses; small leaks sink great ships.
Truth and diligence should be lifelong companions.
Choose friends slowly, change them even slower.
Early to bed, early to rise, makes one healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Be polite to all, social with many, intimate with few.

Death and Legacy

Franklin died on April 17, 1790, aged 84, and was buried with his wife at Christ Church Cemetery in Philadelphia. Twenty thousand attended his funeral, and Congress ordered a month-long mourning period. He famously said, “He mastered lightning in the sky and civil rights on the earth.” Though a scientist, politician, and moralist, his gravestone simply reads: “Benjamin Franklin, Printer.”

President George Washington said, “He is admired for his virtues, celebrated for his talents, respected for his patriotism, and loved for his kindness. All this will evoke people’s affection and admiration.”

Franklin on U.S. Currency

Since 1928, Franklin’s portrait has appeared on the U.S. $100 bill. With the dollar becoming a major global currency, Franklin’s image has become internationally recognized. The $100 bill is the highest denomination regularly printed, symbolizing Franklin’s honor and the wealth—both material and spiritual—he represents.