This month we celebrate the birthday of a great man and a great American, Ben Franklin. Fans of American history or even just fans of the $100 bill can appreciate his impact on American culture. Some have called him the “The First American” for his contribution to the unity of colonies as part of the American independence from Britain.
Franklin was born on January 17th, 1706 and was a man who continuously reinvented himself and in many ways created a new american archetype.
Franklin could be described as a printer, inventor, scientist, author, politician, business strategist, entrepreneur, diplomat, and philosopher. Entrepreneurs, politicians, and scientists alike can appreciate the influence that he had on their trades.
While always proud of his working class roots, Franklin was equally capable in the company of tradesmen, business owners, and diplomats alike. Many types of people were in his company and under his influence at various points during his life.
Franklin was one of the noteworthy figures in a personal development movement that started centuries ago. Franklin asked the question: “How does one live a life that is useful, virtuous, worthy, moral, and spiritually meaningful?” For Franklin this was the arduous journey of pursuing moral perfection.
His solution was to live 13 Virtues that he felt helped him become the man he wanted to be. See Article: Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues
In politics he was instrumental in uniting colonies during American independence, proposed and advocated the Federal model. Franklin’s influence made it all the way to the front of the $100 bill, and into current pop culture via Puff Daddy’s song, “It’s all about the Benjamins”
As a printer, he played major role in developing paper currency in America. As an inventor, he is credited for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, and had a profound impact on numerous trades.
