Benjamin Franklin his wit and humor.

Benjamin Franklin was known for his wit and humor.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most famous and influential figures of the 18th century. He was a polymath, a writer, a scientist, and a statesman. He is perhaps best known for his contributions to the founding of the United States, but his influence extended far beyond that. He was also a prolific writer, and his works continue to be read and studied today.

Early Life and Career

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1706. His father was a candlemaker, and Benjamin was the youngest of 17 children. He attended school for only a few years and was largely self-taught. He began working as an apprentice in his brother's print shop at the age of 12 and quickly developed a talent for writing and printing.

In 1723, at the age of 17, Franklin ran away to Philadelphia, where he worked as a printer and eventually started his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette. The newspaper was a huge success, and Franklin became one of the most prominent printers in the colonies.

In addition to his printing business, Franklin was also interested in science. He conducted numerous experiments and made a number of important discoveries, including the nature of electricity. He also invented a number of practical devices, such as bifocal eyeglasses and a lightning rod.

Political Career

Franklin's political career began in 1751 when he was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly. He quickly became involved in colonial politics and was soon appointed the postmaster general of the colonies. In 1754, he played a key role in the Albany Congress, where he proposed a plan for colonial unity that would later be used as a model for the United States Constitution.

Franklin was a strong supporter of American independence, and he played a crucial role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. He was also a key negotiator in the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States as an independent nation.

Later Life and Legacy

After the Revolutionary War, Franklin continued to be involved in politics. He served as the governor of Pennsylvania and was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He was also a prolific writer, and his works continued to be read and studied long after his death.

Franklin died on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84. He was widely mourned, and his legacy lived on. He was a founding father of the United States, a scientist, a writer, and a statesman. He was also a tireless advocate for freedom, democracy, and equality, and his ideas continue to inspire people around the world today.

One of Franklin's most enduring legacies was his concept of the "self-made man." He believed that anyone could achieve success through hard work, diligence, and a commitment to self-improvement. This idea became a key component of the American Dream and continues to inspire people today.

Franklin was also a prolific writer, and his works continue to be read and studied today. His autobiography, which he began writing in 1771 but never completed, is considered one of the greatest works of American literature. His Poor Richard's Almanack, which he published from 1732 to 1758, contained a wealth of practical advice and aphorisms that continue to be quoted today.

In addition to his literary and scientific contributions, Franklin was also a key figure in the development of American civic institutions. He helped to found the American Philosophical Society, the first scientific society in the United States, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin was also known for his wit and humor. He was famous for his satirical writings, which poked fun at the absurdities of life. He wrote under a variety of pen names, including "Silence Dogood" and "Poor Richard."

In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Franklin was also a philanthropist. He believed in the importance of giving back to the community, and he founded numerous charitable organizations, including the Pennsylvania Hospital and the American Philosophical Society.

Franklin's legacy as a founding father of the United States continues to be celebrated today. His image appears on the $100 bill, and his name adorns numerous buildings and institutions throughout the country. He remains an inspiration to people around the world, and his ideas about freedom, democracy, and self-improvement continue to resonate today.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was a scientist, a writer, a statesman, and a philanthropist. His contributions to American society and the world at large continue to be celebrated today, and his ideas about hard work, self-improvement, and civic responsibility continue to inspire people around the world.