Benjamin Franklin Character Traits

He is seen as a giant of a man, but he was of average height. He only spent eighty-four years on earth, but he was a man of many faces and many roles for our nation. He is the ultimate symbol of a true American citizen. He is one of the most respected and recognizable people in America. From the 1700’s to the present, it is virtually impossible to find a resume that is comparable with his life experiences. He currently appears on the one hundred dollar bill, but he was not elected president of the United States. He is Benjamin Franklin. After reading *****, to only select three characteristics on which to focus an eassy on is a dauting task based on his personal and professional achievementsis. The three primary characteristics of Benjamin

Franklin was not born into a rich family, nor did he marry for wealth. He came from a poor family, a formal education as young man was not possible. Mr. Franklin had to work harder than his fellow man, being a successful businessman did not come easy. By the time he was seventeen he left home, his character and attitude toward life was cautious. He would make his way to England. In a new city, with only pennies to his name, he would rise and prove himself in a country of his peers. Mistakes were made but they became lessons learned. He was able to self teach himself multiple foreign languages, such as French. Spanish, Italian, and Latin. He understood that in any language he would have to become “shrewd enough to know that people did not like to do business with merchants who were smarter than themselves” (Cite ). Mr. Franklin applied his uncanny instinct for success and understood that anyone in business assume a public role. With his experience as a printers apprentice for his brother James, at the age of twenty-four he became the owner of a successful printing shop and was editor and publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette (Cite). It was not uncommon for Mr. Franklin to walk the streets assuring new customers that he was hardworking and not above doing things for himself (Cite). In 1733, he sold his “Poor Richard 's Almanac” it became an American institution, for achieving wealth and preaching hard work and thrift (Cite). He

He achieved his success as a businessman with respect, honesty, and determination. His scientific characteristic would allow the world into his inquiring mind and recognize that the human mind could unlock mysteries. As a political leader his character would allow the people to embrace his wisdom, humility, eagerness, and acknowledge him as a founding father of our nation. Each of the characteristics, the scientific mind, the success as a businessman and a respected and beloved political leader were his foundation that would allow the people to build their dreams upon. He would receive honorary degrees in England, Scotland, and America for his work as a scholar and scientist. Each characteristic could stand on their own, but they worked as a team that helped America and Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin became a self-made man, a man of the people. This was confirmed when his funeral was attended by several thousand people in