The Life and Inventions of Ben Franklin
Ben Franklin was born on a Sunday, and in Puritan times, this was a sign of the devil. To have a baby on the Sabbath was to imply that sex was had, 9 months earlier, on the Sabbath – an immeasurable taboo. This stigma did nothing to slow down the brilliant man who later invented bifocals, the catheter, the lightning rod and the odometer, along with many others useful and entertaining items. Among Franklin’s illuminating ideas were daylight savings time, electricity in homes, fire insurance, and eating fruits to ward off illness. He became a vegetarian hoping to save enough money for extra books.
Franklin was the 15th child in a blended family. His stepbrothers and stepsisters, along with his real brothers and sisters, made up a family of 19, including his parents. Franklin’s mother, Abiah Folger, was his dad’s 2nd wife.
After learning the printing trade from his brother Franklin began writing articles for it, anonymously. The articles were written under a false identity because the New England Courant often found displeasure in the material. Franklin’s brother James was even arrested and imprisoned for a month after publishing one article in particular, found to be extremely offensive.
Disagreements soon became the norm with his brother so eventually Franklin headed for Philadelphia. He soon purchased his own printing press and began his own business. Even later, he began a group meeting now known as the American Philosophical Society, where he and some of his friends would gather to philosophize.
Under the name of Richard Saunders, Ben Franklin soon began publishing his famous ‘Poor Richard’s Almanac’ which quickly gained respect and fame. The book was a variety of health and hygiene tips, along with observations, wise tips, and suggestions for farmers and everyday people.
In the Poor Richard’s Almanac Franklin wrote small interjections that would later become known to all mankind. Among the many famous quotes of Ben Franklin, some were hilarious whereas others showed wisdom and insight. “Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today” is only one example. Others include “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”, “It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright”, “He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing”, and “God helps them that help themselves”. Among his funniest sayings are “Fish and visitors stink after three days”, “No man’s life, liberty or fortune is safe while our legislature is in session”, “Three can keep a secret if two are dead”, and “Creditors have better memories than debtors”.
Ben Franklin went on to become a statesman, the writer of the Declaration of Independence, and even a father. And, he faced one of the most horrid things a man can face: the death of one of his sons, followed later by the death of his mom and then, his wife. And, although one of his sons was illegitimate, Franklin loved him and took him under his wing. Later, though, he and his son were unable to agree on political matters, severing their relationship forever. At one point Ben even called the child “an enemy”. Although most famously known for his discoveries about electricity Ben Franklin also made breakthroughs in medicine, science, history, hygiene, manners and technology.
Franklin loved to reflect on life and often made lists of things he had discovered or realized. He made lists of rules for his tradesmen’s club, a list of synonyms for being drunk, things that may make for a happier marriage, and personal virtues which he felt needed improving. Franklin was never a man who was concerned only of himself and his family. His thoughts and ideas ran from his own personal gain to bettering the city and world in which he lived, with emphasis always on how he could improve his own self.
The story of Ben Franklin is an intriguing one, and most people can learn a thing or two in life from his realizations. The legacy he has left is one of great magnitude and will affect kids and adults for many years to come.
