Benjamin Franklin Research Paper

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Look before, or you'll find yourself behind" (Cmccole Benjamin Franklin's famous quote). Benjamin Franklin didn't always "look before," and he found himself "behind" many times; however, he never gave up. He persisted in trying to improve, eventually becoming a very accomplished and well-respected gentleman. Throughout his life, Franklin became known for being an inventor, patriot, scientist, diplomat, the first Postmaster General, and an influence on American society. He also taught people how to improve themselves and be better people and citizens. Franklin’s experience allowed him to take things into his own hands and, by doing this, solve many problems and accomplish many things, such as founding clubs and …show more content…
As Franklin read more he wanted to write more, so he published multiple letters in his brother's paper without him knowing under a false name. Finally, wanting more freedom, Benjamin Franklin ran away from the apprenticeship to Philadelphia (Benjamin Franklin - Quotes, inventions & facts). After a long journey, in which he made many new acquaintances, Benjamin found his way to Philadelphia. Figuring he was rather good at being in the printing business, he enquired where he could work as a printer’s hand. At this time, Franklin had little to no material possessions with him. In The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, he says, “I was fatigued with travelling, rowing, and want of rest, I was very hungry; and my whole stock of cash consisted of a Dutch dollar, and about a shilling in copper” (Franklin The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin). Even in his early life, when he had almost nothing, Benjamin Franklin persevered in trying to find ways he could do what he loved while becoming a better person. Although he was well-respected in his later life, while he was young, Franklin had problems with people leeching off his …show more content…
One friend was drunk all the time and Franklin helped him with this problem so that this friend could live a good life. However, when he met him again, Benjamin found his friend had been drunk every day and he was “oblig’d to discharge his lodgings, and defray his expenses to and at Philadelphia” (Franklin The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin). Franklin still tried to help others when he was able and, eventually, this earned him a good reputation. Benjamin realized early in life that the best way to get the most out of life was to be a good person. He said in his autobiography, “I grew convinc’d that truth, sincerity and integrity in dealings between man and man were of the utmost importance to the felicity of life” (Franklin The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin). Although he did not belong to any one sect, Franklin attended some sermons and read books on religion. At some point, he decided to write out what he thought would make him a better man. He came up with thirteen virtues and he continued to live by these until his death. By opening a printing shop in 1728, Ben made good money and was able to support a

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