Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (http://thebsreport.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/benjamin-franklin.jpg)

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth the writing” (Benjamin Franklin). America’s Founding Fathers: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, established the core values that remain today. Ben Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 17, 1706. He died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 17, 1790. Franklin started in Philadelphia with nothing, and eventually worked his way to become one of the wealthiest men in America. He is the only man to sign all three freedom documents: The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and The Declaration of Independence. In his lifetime, he was a diplomat, printer, scientist, writer, philanthropist, and an inventor. In the 1700s, the American colonies were not an independent country; they were still controlled by England. Led by Ben Franklin, the colonies worked their way to become the superior country that exists today. Benjamin Franklin, a trusted founding father and a dedicated leader exemplifies a hero.

Because he was trustworthy, Benjamin Franklin gained people’s respect. America, a new country just becoming free from England, was in dire need of a strong, principled leader. “At the age of 81, Franklin entered yet another career, that of a constitution-maker” (Thomson Gale). The government trusted him so much that, at an advanced age and in poor health, Franklin participated in the Constitutional Convention. This document was not supported by all, but the people of America followed Franklin’s decision. He showed courage by standing up against the powerful force of the British government. “As a member of the Second Continental Congress, Franklin helped draft The Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Constitutional Convention, he helped draft The Constitution….. Franklin signed The Bill of Rights in 1789” (Educational Technology Programs Team). Ben Franklin was the only man to sign all three Freedom Documents. This illustrates how Franklin was respected by the American people and government. They trusted him to be part of making the most important documents in American history. These documents started this advanced country we live in today.

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues (http://content.artofmanliness.com/uploads/2008/02/franklin-chart.png)

Being a dedicated leader, Benjamin Franklin also helped America become a cultural country. “Franklin dedicated himself to practical and social ventures that helped establish Philadelphia as a cultural center for the future American republic. Franklin also served as the president of the Pennsylvania Executive Council, and also founded a city police force” (Thomson Gale). Franklin built well-rounded cities for every type of person. This shows he cared for the safety of the people living in America. Having dedication and hard work, Franklin started this country one city at a time. In the late 1720s, as a future statesman and publisher, Ben Franklin made a chart to show a new way of life, or guides to a way of moderation or temperance. “We have divided Franklin's thirteen virtues and their principles into personal and social character traits: Temperance: Eat not to dullness. Order: Let all your things have their places. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring. Humility: Imitate Jesus” (Kurtus). These virtues represent suggestions for a superior lifestyle. But in reality, to live a perfect life is impossible. This chart is just something to endeavor or venture. This is a good way for people to have a better purpose for life and demonstrate the enhanced person. Benjamin Franklin kept people safe from harm and helped their personal ventures.

Franklin attending the Constitutional Convention. (http://www.tmcc.nevada.edu/~domitro2/Images/Const_Conv.jpg)

Benjamin Franklin showed dedication by helping to start this country. He inspired people today to work hard and achieve goals. Before being one of the wealthiest men in the world at his time, Franklin started with nothing. Anyone can follow his footsteps in tough situations to achieve greatness. Ben is a picture-perfect example for representing the underdog and standing up against a stronger force. Benjamin Franklin shows us that people will not be forgotten if they accomplish importance. Every day, people are told to do things worth-while. People are inspired to either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing.

Works Consulted

"American Statesman." Student Resource Center. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2007. Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL. 5 May. 2010 http://find.galegroup.com/srcx/infomark.do?

"Benjamin Franklin." Scientists: Their Lives and Works, Vols. 1-7. Online Edition. U*X*L, 2006. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2010. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC

"Benjamin Franklin." World of Earth Science. Online. Thomson Gale, 2006. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2010. http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC

Kurtus, Ron. “Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues.” School For Champions. Farmington Hills, Mich. 2005. 20 May. 2010. http://www.school-for champions.com/character/franklin_virtues