Benjamin Franklin American scientist and politician, one of the authors of the US Declaration of Independence. Date of Birth: 17.01.1706 Country: USA

Biography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, an American scientist and political figure, was one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. He is famously known for his wit and diplomacy, often referred to as the "only president of the United States who never was." However, Franklin's ambitions and talents extended far beyond politics. He was determined to make a significant impact in various areas, aware that not all of his endeavors would be successful.

From a young age, Franklin displayed a love for reading and learning. He would stay up late at night, reading thick books with the dim light of defective candles. His father, a soap and candle maker, would provide him with the flawed candles, and Franklin would use them to fuel his passion for knowledge. His father often marveled at his son's ability to read at such a young age.

Born in 1706 in Boston, Franklin was the youngest of seventeen children. His father had immigrated to America from England in 1682 to escape religious persecution. At the age of eight, Franklin was sent to a middle school, with the hope that he would become a minister and avoid physically demanding work. However, his father struggled to afford the necessary contributions for his education, leading Franklin to work in his father's candle and soap-making workshop from the age of ten. Books provided him solace, as his father's acquaintances would lend him books from their meager libraries, treasured remnants from England.

Franklin also developed a love for the ocean and fishing from a young age. Though his parents worried he would become a sailor (one of their sons had already disappeared, having chosen that path), Franklin took every opportunity to show his disdain for soap making. One night, he convinced his friends to build a small fishing dock out of stones, right next to a construction site for a stone house. The next day, the stones were missing, and Franklin's father punished him, despite his persuasive arguments for the usefulness of the fishing dock. His father gave in and allowed him to apprentice with his older brother James, a printer who had recently returned from England with printing equipment. It was during this time that Franklin developed a passion for writing ballads, which were in such high demand that his brother ordered them from him regularly. However, his father intervened once again, claiming that all poets eventually become beggars or vagabonds. Despite this setback, Franklin's vanity was satisfied.

When James started his own newspaper, The New England Courant, 16-year-old Franklin would secretly write letters as a fictitious widow named Silence Dogood. He would slip these letters under the door of his brother's printing office, where they gained popularity for their satirical commentary on societal norms. James was pleased with the anonymous writer's success, but when Franklin admitted to his authorship, his brother became furious and expelled him from the printing office. This conflict led Franklin to plan his escape, as leaving without permission was considered a crime during that time. He saved enough money to board a ship, which brought him to New York and eventually to Philadelphia.

Hungry, ragged, and wet from enduring storms on the ship's deck, Franklin walked along Market Street, the city's main thoroughfare. He approached a bakery, took out his last threepence, and asked for bread. To his delight, the baker handed him three large, delicious rolls. Stuffing two under his arm, Franklin chewed on the third as he walked down the street. It was then that he caught the attention of his future wife, Deborah Read, who was basking in the sun outside her house. Franklin, tall and strong with keen gray eyes, was not conventionally handsome but possessed a masculine charm appealing to women. Fate would bring Franklin to the Read family home as a boarder, but that would come after he found work in one of Philadelphia's advanced printing shops, a city far superior in development compared to provincial and sleepy Boston.

Word of Franklin's talents and knowledge of printing spread, reaching the attention of Sir William Keith, the governor of Pennsylvania. Keith visited the printing shop one day and called for Franklin. In a loud and polite manner, he complimented Franklin, scolded him for not visiting him for a conversation, and invited him to a tavern to taste excellent Madeira wine. Surprising his host, they left together. Over the wine, the governor offered Franklin his patronage, promising him money, letters of recommendation, and a trip to England to purchase printing equipment. Excited by the opportunity, Franklin eagerly agreed. However, the promised letters and money never arrived, leaving Franklin devastated. When the ship arrived in England, he begged the captain to open a special bag of the governor's mail, but it contained nothing for him. Desperate, Franklin questioned everyone he encountered in the English port, asking if they were expecting a messenger from the governor. In despair, he confided in his fellow traveler, a Quaker merchant named Mr. Denham. Denham opened Franklin's eyes to the governor's empty promises, saying, "A man without credit, like Keith, cannot give credit, not even in the form of a letter of recommendation." It was another lesson for Franklin, teaching him that flattery could not satisfy his self-esteem without concrete actions. Nevertheless, Franklin quickly adapted to life in London, finding work and making friends. He enjoyed the company of his friends at pubs, theaters, and had access to books not available in America. He also frequented various entertaining establishments to indulge his interest in women.

In addition to his printing business, Franklin developed a keen interest in journalism during his time in London. He recognized the entertaining nature of English journalism, which flourished due to the demand from those in power, making it far more advanced than the budding press in America. Inspired by this, Franklin decided to expand his publishing endeavors. In 1733, he began publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette, which quickly became the most successful and popular newspaper in the colonies. The newspaper featured high-quality paper and diverse content, including book excerpts, essays, pamphlets, advertisements, and even weather forecasts. Franklin understood that readers did not want to be overwhelmed with moralizing and sermons; enjoyable reading could also provide valuable and important information. This understanding led him to create Poor Richard's Almanack in 1733, under the pseudonym of a poor man named Richard Saunders, who claimed he needed money to pay for his sick wife's medical expenses. The almanac, filled with witty sayings, useful advice, and a calendar, became a bestseller, running for 25 years. The publication of Poor Richard's Almanack allowed Franklin to pay off his debts accumulated during the establishment of his printing business. The success of his publishing ventures paved the way for Franklin's career in politics and public service.

Franklin's publications gained widespread readership, including government officials ranging from governors to clerks in the local assembly. Furthermore, his printing business thrived, receiving orders to print official documents, paper, and even paper money. Interestingly, Franklin secured the contract to print paper money after publishing an article in his newspaper advocating for an increase in the money supply, emphasizing its benefits for the economy and the colonists. Historians note that Franklin mastered the art of public relations, using his publications to draw attention to issues of interest while often writing under pseudonyms to avoid accusations of self-interest. Earning the public's trust was far more valuable than money, as it provided the foundation for finding real investors. Thus, Franklin was able to pursue any idea that improved society while simultaneously advancing his own social standing.

One of Franklin's notable projects was the creation of a subscription library. Books were imported from England using funds collected by volunteers and then distributed to subscribers. This project allowed the citizens of Philadelphia to access books that were otherwise unavailable in America.

"Never ask for a position, but never refuse one or voluntarily abandon it," Franklin often repeated to his friends when they accused him of being too involved in public affairs. Why refuse the position of postmaster, for example, when it provided both personal benefits and public service? Franklin not only improved the postal service by personally selecting the fastest and most convenient routes, but his publications and printing orders were now delivered faster and more reliably. It was no wonder that Franklin believed there was nothing more rewarding and gratifying (as well as satisfying his vanity) than working on projects that improved society and his own life. Who enjoyed walking in the rain and mud on unpaved streets, while carriages splashed dirt on you, regardless of your wide-brimmed hat or thick cloak? After Franklin humorously described these inconveniences in his newspaper, the streets were repaired, and street sweepers diligently cleaned them before dawn, removing all dirt and horse manure. Franklin's interest in science was also influenced by pragmatic reasons. When a doctor approached him with the idea of creating a hospital for the treatment of the poor and immigrants, Franklin published an article in his newspaper, advocating for the project and providing a detailed plan to attract donors. He was the first to make a donation towards the construction and maintenance of the hospital, which still exists in Pennsylvania today.

Franklin's entrepreneurial tactics proved successful. When a doctor approached him with the idea of creating a hospital for the treatment of the poor and immigrants, he realized that many people asked if he had consulted with Franklin or sought his opinion before contributing. As he had not been consulted, people were reluctant to support the project without his involvement. Franklin immediately published an article in his newspaper, presenting compelling arguments and instructions on how to attract beneficiaries to the project. He also made the first donation towards the construction and maintenance of the hospital, which continues to serve Pennsylvania to this day. Franklin's credit of trust served as an excellent investment. With his accomplishments, he established a militia, volunteer patrols for nighttime security in Philadelphia, a fire department, and even the groundbreaking concept of the first Fire Insurance Company in history. He also founded the American Philosophical Society and the Academy (which later became the University of Pennsylvania). Thanks to Franklin, Philadelphia became a hub of intellectual activity, competing in terms of intellectual development only with London and Edinburgh within the British Empire.

"Never ask for a position, but never refuse one or voluntarily abandon it" - Franklin often repeated these words to his friends, who accused him of being too involved in public affairs. In his eyes, refusing a position such as postmaster, which allowed him to benefit both personally and serve the public, made little sense. Franklin not only improved the postal service - personally selecting the fastest and most convenient routes while touring the outskirts of Philadelphia in his carriage - but his publications and printing orders were now delivered faster and more reliably. Franklin believed that there was nothing more rewarding and gratifying (and that satisfied his vanity) than working on projects that improved society and his own life. After Franklin humorously described the inconvenience of walking on unpaved streets, being splashed with dirt by passing carriages, the streets were repaired, and street sweepers cleaned them diligently before dawn. Franklin's interest in science was also driven by pragmatic reasons. When a doctor proposed the idea of building a hospital for the treatment of the poor and immigrants, Franklin published an article in his newspaper, advocating for the project and providing a detailed plan to attract donors. He was also the first to donate towards the construction and maintenance of the hospital, which still exists in Pennsylvania today.

Franklin's entrepreneurial strategies proved to be successful. His publications and printing business allowed him to gain influence and credibility among the public and political figures. He utilized his credit of trust to implement numerous projects that improved society and his own life. Franklin's achievements included the establishment of a militia, volunteer patrols for nighttime security, a fire department, and the first Fire Insurance Company in history. He also founded the American Philosophical Society and the Academy, which became the University of Pennsylvania. Franklin's contributions transformed Philadelphia into a center of intellectual activity, rivaling London and Edinburgh within the British Empire.

"Never ask for a position, but never refuse one or voluntarily abandon it," Franklin's entrepreneurial tactics and dedication to public service made him a highly respected figure in American history. His autobiography, considered a masterpiece of the genre, became a guidebook for self-made individuals and helped popularize the American Dream. Franklin's legacy as a printer, scientist, inventor, writer, and politician continues to inspire generations of Americans.