Many simply regard him as a founding father or the discoverer of electricity, however Benjamin Franklin’s accomplishments were unparalleled. Franklin was a philosopher, inventor, scientist, diplomat, writer, and to many a genius. This founding father however lacked in formal education. Franklin taught himself, as he was a persistent learner throughout his life. His story demonstrates the persistence of self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge. His life could also be seen as a story of rags to riches as he came from meager beginnings. For many his life was the embodiment of the American dream. Franklin was the fifteenth child born to Josiah Franklin, a candle and soap maker from England (Franklin 2). At an early age Franklin expressed his …show more content…
Franklin spent only a short time in school before his father was unable to afford his education. It was then that he was employed with his father at the age of 10 (Franklin 33). Franklin strongly disliked his father’s trade and his father worried that Franklin would run away to the sea if given the opportunity (Franklin 35). Franklin found himself exploring the different apprenticeships with his father, where he learned a great deal. This may have set a foundation for his later inventions. However, his love for reading never wavered and will remain fundamental in his future success. As a young boy Franklin would spend any money he had on books, even selling books he read in order to buy more books (Franklin 36). His inclination towards books ultimately led to his father placing him in an …show more content…
His running away was admirable in many ways as he tried to make his way in the world and possibly was the best decision he made in his life. The world in which Franklin was born provided limited opportunities for both social and economic advancement. His father was unable to leave his trade, although he was able to raise 17 children. Franklins father was unable to provide him with a formal education but offered him many religious and moral lessons which Franklin took with him throughout his ventures. Franklins journey to Philadelphia proved to be beneficial. He found himself a position at a printer and later found himself in the company of the governor (Franklin 51). Philadelphia allowed Franklin to focus on his work and contributions without the disapproval for his free thinking. Upon his brief return to Boston, Franklin boasted about Philadelphia and his accomplishments. Showing the Journey-men a handful of silver, and his watch, it provided a window for those in Boston the possibilities of elevating one’s economic status (Franklin