Benjamin Franklin Quotes
A collection of quotes by Benjamin Franklin.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American polymath, inventor, scientist, author, printer, politician, and diplomat. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the fifteenth of seventeen children in a poor family. Despite his limited formal education, Franklin became one of the most influential figures of the American Enlightenment and a founding father of the United States.
At a young age, Franklin apprenticed as a printer and eventually became a successful publisher, establishing one of the first independent newspapers in the American colonies. He used his printing skills to promote his ideas and those of others, becoming known for his numerous writings and satirical cartoons.
Franklin's scientific experiments and inventions further cemented his reputation. He conducted pioneering research on electricity, famously flying a kite during a thunderstorm to prove the existence of lightning as electricity. He also invented practical devices that improved daily life, such as the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove.
Politically, Franklin played a vital role in the American Revolution. As a member of the Second Continental Congress, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later traveled to France, securing crucial support for the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Franklin's diplomatic skills were also instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the war and recognized the United States as an independent nation.
Later in life, Franklin devoted himself to public service and philanthropy, establishing public institutions such as libraries and fire departments. His autobiography, published posthumously, remains a widely read and admired work.
Benjamin Franklin's diverse achievements and contributions continue to inspire and shape the world we live in today.
