Comprehensive Notes on Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

Overview

  • Benjamin Franklin was a multifaceted individual, excelling as a writer, printer, politician, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, and a Founding Father.

Early Life and Apprenticeship

  • Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1706.
  • He was the 10th son and 15th child out of 17 children.
  • Received three years of formal education.
  • His father was a candle and soap maker.
  • In 1721, he was apprenticed to his half-brother James, who was a printer.
  • In 1722, at the age of 16, Franklin secretly submitted satires to James' paper under the pseudonym Silence Dogood.

Leaving Boston

  • James' paper faced issues with Boston's leaders due to its controversial articles.
  • Franklin found his apprenticeship unbearable.
  • In 1723, Franklin ran away from his apprenticeship (which was a crime at the time) and went to Philadelphia.

Early Years in Philadelphia

  • In 1728, he established a successful newspaper called The Pennsylvania Gazette.
  • Married Deborah Reed in 1730, and they had three children.
  • In 1731, he founded a subscription library.
  • Poor Richard’s Almanack was first published in 1733.

Sayings

  • "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of."
  • "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
  • "Energy and persistence conquer all things."
  • "Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is."
  • "Never confuse motion with action."
  • "A penny saved is a penny earned."
  • "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."
  • "Diligence is the Mother of good luck."

Franklin the Entrepreneur

  • Became the most successful printer in Philadelphia.
  • Established franchised print shops from New England to Antigua.
  • Served as postmaster general for the colonies.
  • Rented houses and owned paper mills.
  • Retired at the age of 42 due to his financial success.
  • Dedicated his time to science and public service after retirement.

Franklin the Scientist

  • Conducted research on various topics, including:
    • Electricity
    • Ocean Currents
    • Population Growth
    • Weather
    • Light

Franklin the Inventor

  • Invented several items, some of which are still in use today:
    • Lightning rods
    • Bifocal glasses
    • Swimming flippers
    • A more efficient stove (Franklin Stove)

Public Service

  • Served as a member of the Philadelphia City Council, Justice of the Peace, and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly.
  • Founded the first volunteer fire company in America.
  • Established the college that later became the University of Pennsylvania.

Politics and Diplomacy

  • Elected to positions in the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania government.
  • Opposed the heirs of William Penn, believing they exploited their power as proprietors of the colony for personal enrichment.

Revolution

  • Opposed the taxes imposed on the colonists by the English government.
  • Served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and supported the Declaration of Independence.
  • Sent to France to seek support for the war after the declaration.

Constitution

  • Remained active in politics after the revolution.
  • Served as the first postmaster general of the United States.