Benjamin Franklin

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August 2, 1776, our founding fathers prepared to sign the final document of the Declaration of Independence. They had previously agreed to proclaim their liberty on July 4th earlier that year, but the revision of the final document had taken longer than anticipated. John Hancock was first to sign. Recognizing the importance of the moment, Hancock declared "We must all hang together"(Krensky, Stephen). Benjamin Franklin, attempting to relieve some stress, added his thoughts. "'We must all hang together', he reportedly said, 'or most assuredly we will hang separately'"(Krensky, Stephen). When reflecting upon the character of Benjamin Franklin, he is often remembered as a man of great importance and accomplishment. While his successes were many, it is imperative to remember his his life prior to this significant moment in history. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 into a needy family of candle and soap makers. Pretty unexpected right? Young Benjamin identified his father's occupation as boring, tedious, and uninteresting. Benjamin's interests lay in discovery, experimentation, and in literature. With a love of learning, Franklin was eager to discover other occupations. Benjamin never gave up on his goals and fulfilled numerous accomplishments. Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins, the lightning rod, musical instruments, bifocals, and many more useful devices. He also mapped the Gulf Stream, established colleges, and even helped revise the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin is a hero because he was constantly striving to do good, and he never gave up, even when facing trials.

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Benjamin Franklin was always looking for ways to make the world a little brighter. In fact, each new morning as the day began, Benjamin Franklin would ponder "What good shall I do this day?"("Benjamin Franklin", Bio. A&E Television Networks). He believed that the world needed improving every day. Benjamin Franklin did not boast in his accomplishments, but strived for growth and reformation. Franklin worked to better the world by dedicating his life to scientific, political, and upright goals. In his list of resolutions, he wrote, "I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth."(Krensky, Stephen). Ambitious and undaunted, he was a man of vision and action. In fact: "During Franklin's long life he developed many inventions (such as bifocal lenses and the Franklin stove), received numerous honors and achieved an international reputation, becoming one of few Americans of colonial days to do so."("Benjamin Franklin", Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner). As an inventor, he created many items that made life easier and more interesting for everyone. Many of the inventions made by Benjamin Franklin are still used today. Franklin cultivated the world around him through his hard work and sacrifice. His heroic deeds of goodness can inspire us to be better people.

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Benjamin Franklin is also considered a hero because he stayed strong, even while facing trials. Franklin did many things such as: "drafting the Declaration of Independence, publishing newspapers, warming us with the Franklin stove, pioneering advances in science, letting us see with bifocals and, yes, lighting our way with electricity-all from a man who never finished school but shaped his life through abundant reading and experience."("Benjamin Franklin", Bio. A&E Television Networks) Even though Benjamin Franklin started off penniless, anonymous, and with basically no education, he never gave up on what he was striving to achieve. If he had abandoned his intentions, our nation would have not been the same without his legacy. When Benjamin Franklin was first observing lightning with the famous kite and key experiment, a scientist named D'Alibard stole Benjamin Franklin's idea and did the experiment himself on May 10, 1752. Instead of getting upset, "Franklin generously gave D'Alibard credit for being the first to 'draw lightning from the skies.' If nothing else, Franklin did receive credit for the invention of the lightning rod"( "Benjamin Franklin", Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner). Franklin could have accused D'Alibard of robbing his idea, but instead he acted respectfully. He did not focus on the concept that he accidentally gave away his discovery, and instead, moved on with the next great thing he was to achieve. The heroic quality of endurance Benjamin Franklin had may often go unnoticed in heroes. Sometimes it easier to submit to our weaknesses, surrendering our goals and dreams. Franklin was an example of finding strength through tribulations.

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Benjamin Franklin was constantly trying to make the world a better place, showing endurance in all he did. When he had nothing, or was robbed of an idea, he pressed forward with faith. April 17, 1790, Benjamin Franklin died at his daughter's home in Philadelphia. When the news got out, John Adams stated: "There was scarcely a peasant or a citizen, a valet de chamber, coachman or footman who was not familiar with his name"(Krensky, Stephen). I'm certain all of us would like to be loved and appreciated, similar to Benjamin Franklin. He was and is an inspiration to people everywhere. Benjamin Franklin's legacy lives on in the hearts of not only me, but throughout our nation as one of our founding fathers. A plaque near his grave was made with tributes from George Washington and Jacques Turgot. "Venerated for Benevolence. Admired for Talents. Esteemed for Patriotism. Beloved for Philanthropy. He tore from the skies the lightning, and from the tyrants the sceptre." These noble traits confirm his heroism, not just back in 1776, but always, and eternally.

Works Consulted

"Benjamin Franklin." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 01 May 2015.

"Benjamin Franklin." Science and Its Times. Ed. Neil Schlager and Josh Lauer. Vol. 4. Detroit: Gale, 2001. Biography in Context. Web. 4 May 2015.

Benjamin Franklin." World of Earth Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Biography in Context. Web. 1 May 2015.

Krensky, Stephen. Benjamin Franklin. New York.: DK Pub., 2008. Print.

"Recent Posts."The Old Print Gallery Blog. N.p., 24 Jan. 2015. Web. 19 May 2015.

"Design and Technology and Kites Used in Scientific Research."Design and Technology and Kites Used in Scientific Research. World Association of Technology Teachers, n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.

"Photos from MLMA Meeting 2007."2007 Meeting Photos. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.