Resources Menu | Coffee | Library | Gallery | Lucidcafé Home | Revised: February 29, 2008
Benjamin Franklin
American Statesman and Inventor
1706 - 1790
He that lieth down with dogs,
shall rise up with fleas.
—Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the tenth boy of 17 children. Franklin was one of the leading founding fathers of the United States of America. He signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, and served as the new nation's ablest diplomat.
Franklin's formal schooling ended early but his education never did. He believed that "the doors to wisdom are never shut," and read every book he could get his hands on. Franklin taught himself simple algebra and geometry, navigation, logic, history, science, English grammar and a working knowledge of five other languages.
Franklin had a simple formula for success. He believed that successful people worked just a little harder than other people. Benjamin Franklin certainly did. He built a successful printing and publishing business in Philadelphia; he conducted scientific studies of electricity and made several important discoveries; he was an accomplished diplomat and statesman; he helped establish Pennsylvania's first university and America's first city hospital. He also organized the country's first subscription library.
Franklin was also unequaled in America as an inventor until Thomas Edison. He invented the Franklin stove, bifocal eyeglasses and the lightning rod. Franklin wasn't greedy about his inventions, preferring to have them used freely for the comfort and convenience of everyone. Thomas Jefferson called Benjamin Franklin "the greatest man and ornament of the age and country in which he lived."
Frankilin had a strong belief that good citizenship included an obligation of public service. Franklin himself served the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the new United States of America, in one way or the other, for most of his life. To Benjamin Franklin there was no greater purpose in life than to "live usefully."
If you are aware of any Internet resources, movies or books about Benjamin Franklin or related subjects, or if you would like to submit comments, please send us email: .
Resources
• Other U.S. Founding Fathers in the Lucidcafé Library
• Other Inventors in the Lucidcafé Library
• Books About Benjamin Franklin
• Books By Benjamin Franklin
• Videos/DVDs About Benjamin Franklin
• Benjamin Franklin Images
• eTexts About Benjamin Franklin
• Related Websites
Other U.S. Founding Fathers in the Lucidcafé Library
Other Inventors in the Lucidcafé Library
- Alexander Graham Bell
- Sir Henry Bessemer
- Thomas Alva Edison
- Nicola Tesla
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Orville Wright
- Wilbur Wright
Books About Benjamin Franklin
- Benjamin Franklin - Author: Edmund S. Morgan
A great short biography of Franklin. Morgan organizes his book around Franlin's writings spanning his lifetime. You will get to know Franklin better and gain important insights into the birth of the United Statres of America. I highly recommend this book.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "Benjamin Franklin" - The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin - Author: H. W. Brands
Franklin's numerous and varied accomplishments leap to life in this altogether excellent biography. A well-written and engaging account of a life well lived.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "The First American" - Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies - Author: Robert Middlekauff
Robert Middlekauff weaves episodes in Franklin's life into key moments in colonial and Revolutionary history. His purpose is neither to vilify nor to defend, but rather to reveal a fully human Benjamin Franklin.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "Benjamin Franklin and His Enemies" - The Devious Dr. Franklin, Colonial Agent: Benjamin Franklin's Years in London - Author: David T. Morgan
Benjamin Franklin served in London as a agent for the Pennsylvania Assembly, and later as agent for the colonies of Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. This book chronicles Franklin's years in London serving as colonial agent.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "The Devious Dr. Franklin"
Books By Benjamin Franklin
- The Autobiography and Other Writings - Author: Benjamin Franklin
A wide-ranging selection of his writings from Poor Richard's Almanac, scientific essays, and political commentaries, plus a generous dose of his famous humor.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "The Autobiography and Other Writings" - Benjamin Franklin: His Life As He Wrote It - Author: Benjamin Franklin, Esmond Wright (Editor)
This compendium of his writings reveals Franklin's wit and wisdom.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Hardcover edition of "Benjamin Franklin : His Life As He Wrote It"
Videos/DVDs About Benjamin Franklin
- Ben Franklin - Producer: History Channel
This DVD reveals the real man behind the myth. A fresh, down-to-earth, informative look at Ben Franklin.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Video edition of "Ben Franklin" - Biography - Benjamin Franklin - Producer: A&E Home Video
A&E's video biography of founding father and American icon, Benjamin Franklin.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Video edition of "Biography - Benjamin Franklin" - Benjamin Franklin - Producer: PBS Direct
This documentary explores Franklin's education as a minister, his career as a printer, his transformation into a revolutionary, and his role as America's first diplomat to France.
CLICK HERE to purchase this Video edition of "Benjamin Franklin"
eTexts By Benjamin Franklin
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Hypertext
Related Websites
|
|
|
Back to Resources Menu
Back to Top
Genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain
Click above to order . . .
Copyright © 1995-2008 Robin Chew
Article written by Robin Chew - January 1996
