The Life of Benjamin Franklin

2
2010

Benjamin Franklin or Thomas Jefferson? In school, I used to get the two confused as to who accomplished what. Who was it that ran around a lightning storm with a kite? And which one authored the Declaration of Independence?

Black and white drawing of Benjamin Franklin & son William Flying a Kite in Lightening Storm

As a fan of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger I learned that one of Charlie’s heroes is Benjamin Franklin. I read Poor Charlie’s Almanack which is based on Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack that followed a fictional middle-class tradesman discuss the merits of hard work and frugality. After reading Munger’s ode to Poor Richard and visiting Philadelphia I picked up Walter Isaacson’s Biography of Benjamin Franklin.

The life of Benjamin Franklin

Franklin was born in Boston in colonial times at the start of the 18th century to a poor family. He apprenticed as a printer under his brother. Eventually moving to Philadelphia where he authored many articles, short stories, and pamphlets. As a businessman, he franchised print shops across the colonies and built a network of print shops.

Franklin had a thirst for knowledge and created philosophical societies, volunteer fire departments, and other knowledge-centric endeavors. Eventually, he retired from being a printer in his mid-40s. He struck a deal with his apprentice to continue to receive a portion of the prophets for years to come.

Painting of a Young Benjamin Franklin in a Fire Fighter Uniform

His focus then turned to politics where he spent 15 years in England representing the colonies. Early on Benjamin Franklin was loyal to the British Crown while denouncing parliament. Eventually, he saw that Britain would never give the colonies fair representation and became a supporter of the American Revolution. He helped edit portions of the Declaration of Independence which Thomas Jefferson authored.

During the war, Benjamin Franklin was the American representative to France. There he helped secure the alliance with France that ultimately led to the Americans winning their independence. Following the war, he then negotiated the peace treaty with Britain. Where he secured terms for the recognition of the new American state.

The Final Years of Benjamin Franklin

In his final years, he helped bridge the divide at the Constitutional convention. This resulted in the colonies forging a middle ground that ultimately formed the constitution. Benjamin Franklin’s ability to advocate for compromise, democracy, and put issues into perspective helped him shape 4 of the most important early documents in US history. Namely the Declaration of Independence, Alliance with France, Treaty with Britain, and the Constitution.

In his final years, Benjamin Franklin fought for the abolition of slavery. He hoped to create a program that would provide education, apprenticeships, and support to former slaves.

While Franklin’s life reads like a highlight real he had many flaws just as all people do. There were his promiscuous younger years which resulted in him fathering an illegitimate child. He was hardly a family man spending the last years of his wife’s life apart. As well as Franklin arguing for bad policies. But what Franklin excelled at was finding his way back to guiding principles. Unlike what we see in today’s politics Franklin was open to new ideas that may change his opinions.

Despite his flaws, Benjamin Franklin fought for a strong middle class advocating for hard work, frugality, and public works. He has inspired many others along the way through his curiosity, wisdom, and benevolence.

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