Benjamin Franklin by Kathleen Krull

The Giants of Science biography series for middle-grade brings Benjamin Franklin - a man who was an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was born in Boston. He was ten when his formal education came to an end. He had only two years of schooling but was always an avid reader.

At twelve, he became apprenticed to his brother at printing house. His brother was a bit of a tyrant. After a few years, Ben quit and left Boston for NYC, then Philadelphia, then London. There were always some challenges, but ever resourceful, he landed on his feet.

At twenty-one, back in Philadelphia, he worked at print shops and missed the lively atmosphere he enjoyed in London. Thus, he created Junto group of like-minded men who wanted to improve themselves and their community.

When he set up his own printing shop, he founded his own newspaper. He was bringing topics that were grabbing readers’ attention, and becoming a respected man in his community.

Meanwhile, he went through illness which almost claimed his life, and through a death of his son. This was a sharp reminder for him that time was not limitless, and that he wanted to make his mark, to be useful with his knowledge.

At the time, the way the homes were heated was inefficient. He came up with a new kind of wood-burning stove.

It was also a time of great mysteries in science – electricity. He avidly started experiencing with it.

He made himself useful in politics and science, beginning each day with a question, “What good shall I do this day?” And ending each day with a question, “What good have I done today?”

In 1757, Pennsylvania Assembly sent him to London as its agent to serve as colonial “ambassador” to negotiate on behalf of thirteen colonies to be treated fairly. At the same time, he continued with his scientific experiments. But it was actually the alliance he formed with France which had been vital to victory in the American Revolution.

Surrounded by family, he died at the age of eighty-four.

This biography exemplifies a man who understood the purpose of life and the limited time we have on this earth. He used his time wisely, to serve humanity.

Source: Puffin Books, 2014

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: “Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.” – Ben Franklin

 

Traits:

·         His education was very limited but he was an avid reader.

·         He was very resourceful.

·         When he missed the lively atmosphere he enjoyed in London, he created Junto group of like-minded men who wanted to improve themselves and their community.

·         When he founded his own newspaper, he was bringing topics that were grabbing readers’ attention.

·         His illness and his son’s death made him realize that time is not limitless, and every moment counts.

·         When heating system was inefficient, he came up with a new kind of wood-burning stove.

·         He avidly started experiencing with electricity.

·         When he entered political fray, he acted as “ambassador” between the thirteen colonies and British Crown to be treated fairly.

·         He began each day with a question, “What good shall I do this day?” And ended each day with a question, “What good have I done today?”

 

“Better slip with foot than tongue.” – Ben Franklin

“Look before, or you’ll find yourself behind.” – Ben Franklin

“Don’t throw stones at your neighbors, if your own windows are glass.” – Ben Franklin

“Well done is better than well said.” – Ben Frnaklin