Benjamin Franklin, an iconic name in US history, was a man with many skills. He was a famed doer of many things, talker between lands, man of science, creator, author, and one of the first leaders of the USA. Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Franklin’s life shows the dream of America. From a simple start as the son of a man who made candles, he grew to be one of the top big names of his era, leaving a deep mark on the world with his great deeds and deep thoughts.
Early Years and Schooling
Ben Franklin’s early days were filled with a never-ending want to know more. Even with only two years of school, he loved books and taught himself. His strong love of learning made him good at many areas, like science, books, and deep thought.
At just 12, Benjamin Franklin began to help his brother James, who printed things. This made him love to write and print, setting the path for his later work as a publisher and writer. He got better at writing by putting words in his brother’s paper, the New England Courant, under the fake name “Mrs. Silence Dogood.”
Tools Made and Work in Science
One of Franklin’s top works in science was his bold tests with electric stuff. In 1752, he flew a kite in a storm, showing that lightning is electric. This test led to the making of the rod that stops lightning, which has saved lots of lives and stopped much harm to places by moving lightning strikes away.
Besides his work with electric stuff, Benjamin Franklin made many other things and found out lots. He made the Franklin stove, a better choice than old fireplaces, and glasses with two parts, changing the world of seeing. His questions and new ideas got him fame everywhere, making him a noted mind of the time of new ideas.
Talks and Leading
Benjamin Franklin was also good at talking and leading. He helped shape US talks with other lands during the war for independence and was key in getting help from France and other lands in Europe. His skills at talks helped get needed support for the young USA, leading to a win over Britain.
One of his top wins was the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the war and made the USA free. His work in talks made the way for the US to be seen as a true and free country in the world.
Words Written Down
Along with his work in science and politics, Benjamin Franklin wrote a lot and thought deeply. His sharp mind and smart thoughts show in his essays, letters, and short wise sayings, many of which have stayed in US books.
One of Franklin’s best-known works is his own life story, which shares his amazing life and gives lessons on getting better and success. He shares smart advice on hard work, saving, and truth, which he thought were key for doing well in life and work.
Link to Franklin’s autobiography: “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”
Famous Moment in History
Benjamin Franklin was part of many big times in history that changed the way America and the world went. One was helping write the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His strong words and love of freedom got support for the US cause and lit a fire in patriots later on.
Another key time in Franklin’s life was when he was the US talker to France during the war. His charm and skills won over the French, where he got important help for the American places. His work helped change the war for the United States and made it free from British power.
In addition, Benjamin Franklin was a big part of the meeting that made the US Constitution in 1787. His wide knowledge was very helpful during the making of it, and his push helped shape the way the US government was set up and keep the ideas of freedom and people ruling.
Quotes of Benjamin Franklin
Franklin made many smart sayings that still touch readers today. Here are some of his most known ones:
“Paying for learning gives the best gain.”
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I’ll keep it in mind. Get me in on it and I’ll learn.”
“Done well beats said well.”
“A penny not spent is one you have.”
“Not getting ready is getting ready to fail.”
“Being honest is the best way to be.”
“Time lost can’t be found again.”
“A little bit of stopping trouble is worth a lot of fixing.”
“Guests, like fish, start to stink after three days.”
“Who can wait can get what he wants.”
Benjamin Franklin’s life and what’s left of it keep making people everywhere excited. His smart ideas, great mind, and never-stopping spirit are at the heart of the dream of America. From his big tests in science to his wins in talks and marks left in writing, the things he gave to society can’t be measured. As we think on his smart words and insights that don’t age, we see the forever mark of his great name. Benjamin Franklin will always be seen as a man who could do everything and one of the best names in the history of America.
Read also: Winston Churchill: The Strong Will That Made History