Who was Benjamin Franklin? Check His Biography, Inventions, Books, and Achievements

Benjamin Franklin stands as one of the foremost Founding Fathers of the U.S. and an influential figure in American history. Born on January 17, 1706, he is best known as a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His diverse talents and tireless work profoundly shaped the birth and early direction of the U.S. He also played a key role in the American Revolution by being one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence. Explore his early life, achievements, and why he is so famous in this article.

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Early Life 

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, as the 10th son of 17 children of a man who was an artisan and made soaps and candles. He was a very sharp learner right from the beginning, as he started learning and reading very quickly. He didn't go to school after the age of 10, and at 12, he started working for his older brother, who was a printer. This job was very important for Ben. He read a lot of books on his own and learned to write well. He especially loved a book called The Spectator, which helped him improve his writing even more. He became very good at printing and was proud of that skill for his whole life. This self-made journey from humble beginnings to a thriving entrepreneur laid the foundation for his later civic and scientific pursuits.

Career

In 1723, Franklin left Boston for Philadelphia to seek new opportunities at the age of 17. There, he established his own successful printing business. After his printing business in Philadelphia started doing well, he began working as a Public Printer for official papers for New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. In 1727, he started a discussion group called the Junto, which later led to the first lending library, the Library Company of Philadelphia, in 1731. Through this group, he also helped create a paid police force and a volunteer fire department. Other profitable projects included his newspaper, "The Pennsylvania Gazette," which was started in 1729 as per as per Britannica. 

He also worked as a clerk for Pennsylvania's lawmakers in 1736 and as the postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737. By the late 1740s, he was one of the richest people in the northern colonies. Franklin used his money to make his community better. He played a huge role in starting the American Philosophical Society in 1743 and the Academy of Philadelphia in 1749, which later became the University of Pennsylvania. Before 1748, his main political act was helping set up a militia to defend the colony. At 42, he retired from the business and became a wealthy gentleman.

He was a pivotal member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His most vital contribution came as the U.S. Minister to France from 1776 to 1785. Later, he became one of the American negotiators who secured the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognised U.S. independence. At 81, he was the oldest delegate to the Constitutional Convention and lent his wisdom to help forge the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

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Inventions and Scientific Discoveries

Franklin's insatiable curiosity extended far beyond printing. He was a prolific inventor and a pioneering scientist whose practical innovations improved daily life and deepened scientific understanding. Find some of his discoveries and inventions in the table below:

Books and Writings

Franklin was always curious about books and publishing. He had his sharp wit and practical wisdom, which turned him into a famous Publisher. He released annual publications, including the famous Poor Richard's Almanack, between 1732 and 1758, using the pen name "Richard Saunders." This almanac was incredibly popular for humorous phrases and wordplay. It contained weather forecasts, practical advice, astronomical and astrological information, and most famously, clever proverbs and maxims like "A penny saved is a penny earned," according to the Office of the Historian.

Franklin is renowned for "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," a classic of American literature that offers insights into his self-improvement philosophy, his rise to prominence, and the values he championed. This widely read book is a memoir of his extensive essays and letters, which address various topics from politics and economics to social commentary, always with clarity and often with humor.

Benjamin Franklin passed away on April 17, 1790. His legacy as an inventor, writer, and a tireless advocate for liberty and reason continues to inspire. His life exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge, civic engagement, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of a free society.