Known as one of the seven Founding Fathers of United State of America, Franklin Benjamin was a politician, entrepreneur, inventor and an author who largely applied wit in his work. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence, U.S Constitution and served various roles in the government earning him the name, ‘First American.’
Franklin was born on 17th January 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts as the 10th son of 17 children of his father, a lowly artisan who made soap and candles for a living.
Though his formal education ended when he was 10, Franklin educated himself to the extent of becoming an inventor and earning honorary degrees from Yale, Oxford (England), Harvard and University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He died on 17th April 1790 at his daughter’s home and bequeathed her a big portion of his wealth.
At the age of 12, Franklin apprenticed for his brother as a printer and spent most of that time understanding the craft, reading and teaching himself how to write well. Leaving his brother’s firm for Philadelphia, Franklin worked for a few printing shops before trying out on newspapers and had mixed success.
Driven by the thought that by inventing he would serve others, Franklin invented widely. He came up with a stove that consumed less fuel and emitted more heat; Franklin stove when he was only 35. He also invented bifocals glasses, rocking chair, and flexible urinary catheter among many other inventions. His interest in electricity led to the invention of the lightning rod.
Franklin joined Freemason and was soon elected Grand Master of the masons of Pennsylvania. He invested in real estate, businesses and organized a volunteer company to counter fire threats in Philadelphia.
Of the three children Franklin had, only two survived; Richard, a son he got out of wedlock and Sarah, his daughter by his wife Deborah Read. Francis, his first son with Deborah died from Smallpox at the age of four.
Contrary to the beliefs of many, Benjamin Franklin was never elected as the president of the United States.
Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.
Benjamin Franklin
Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.
Benjamin Franklin
Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.
Benjamin Franklin
To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.
Benjamin Franklin
“Well done is better than well said.”
Benjamin Franklin
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.
Benjamin Franklin
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.
Benjamin Franklin
Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.
Benjamin Franklin
Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest.
Benjamin Franklin
Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom – and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.
Benjamin Franklin
Wise men don’t need advice. Fools won’t take it.
Benjamin Franklin
Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.
Benjamin Franklin
Who is rich? He that rejoices in his portion.
Benjamin Franklin
