Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin manifested the qualities characteristic of the American. Genius he possessed, but it was the genius of hard work. He was a self-made man. At the age of 17 years, he came from Massachusetts to Philadelphia, which became his lifelong residence. Printer, publisher, philanthropist. - A journeyman printer by trade, he ultimately became the author and printer of Poor Richard's Almanac, a publication of homely philosophy which contains many gems of wisdom and good advice as applicable today as in his time. Franklin was identified with the Pennsylvania Gazette. He founded the Saturday Evening Post, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Public Library. He was the first postmaster general of the Colonies. Scientist. - With all these activities he still found time to devote to science. The flash of lightning in a thunderstorm caused him to wonder rather than to fear. In it he recognized a mightly force; his philosophic mind concluded that in some way the flash of lightning (electricity) could be controlled and brought into the service of mankind. It pays to think. Creative minds, as exemplified in Franklin, rather than manual labor, have produced the great achievements of all time. Political philosopher. - Benjamin Franklin was too busy to be idle. Absorbed with the affairs and welfare of the Colonies, he proposed in 1754 that the Colonies be formed into a Union. Franklin believed that had this proposition been accepted, a separation from the British Empire would never have taken place. Twenty years later a call for a general congress of the Colonies was issued by Virginia, at the instigation of Franklin, and held in Philadelphia in May, 1774. Benjamin Franklin took an active part in framing the Declaration of Independence, of which he was one of the signers. Diplomat. - Two years later he went to France, where, in fur cap and homespun clothing, he, the typical American commoner, created a wave of enthusiasm which won the French to the cause of the Colonies. Member of Constitutional Convention. - At the age of 81 years this old young-hearted philosopher took a most prominent part in the deliberations of the constitutional convention held in Philadelphia from May to September, 1787. His wisdom and counsel often prevailed in those long and stormy sessions. His love of country and faith in democracy gave him a vision of the future greatness of America that few in his time possessed.