Arguably the most prominent father of the modern United States, Benjamin Franklin has unequivocally made an impact in our country’s society. On top of Franklin’s already incredible accomplishments, his writings really outline what it means to be a “self-made man” and created a model for what an average citizen striving to be great should aim for. Franklin’s example as a “self-made man” has not only established a new status quo in America, but has shaken the entire idea of what it means to be a prominent and respected figure in our world. As one of the most brilliant men in the history of this world, Franklin’s model is very aspirational for the common man, although it represents something gargantuan to strive for, as Franklin himself may have
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Franklin notes in his autobiography that at one point, a friend of his pointed out his pride during conversation, which lead Franklin to say “I determined endeavoring to cure myself if I could of this Vice or Folly among the rest” (Franklin 541). It is not to be interpreted though, that Franklin had not been humble before his encounter with his friend. Rather he had always tried to stay humble, and upon finding out that he may have not been, he felt that he needed to fix the issue. Throughout his life, his humility had helped him through issues that others may have struggled …show more content…
He is humble, innovative, moral, and above all else, he is efficient. Benjamin Franklin was a very complex man, with many interesting ideas, and we fondly remember him not just because of his accomplishments, but also by the means that he accomplished them. This “self-made man” did not cut corners and was not given any unfair advantages in life. He knew better than to follow the mainstream way of life; Franklin lead an extraordinary life that no other has experienced quite the same. Franklin has effectively created the model for what it means to truly be a “self-made man,” whether another one like him will ever come along or not, we do know that there is and always will be only one Benjamin
Franklin notes in his autobiography that at one point, a friend of his pointed out his pride during conversation, which lead Franklin to say “I determined endeavoring to cure myself if I could of this Vice or Folly among the rest” (Franklin 541). It is not to be interpreted though, that Franklin had not been humble before his encounter with his friend. Rather he had always tried to stay humble, and upon finding out that he may have not been, he felt that he needed to fix the issue. Throughout his life, his humility had helped him through issues that others may have struggled …show more content…
He is humble, innovative, moral, and above all else, he is efficient. Benjamin Franklin was a very complex man, with many interesting ideas, and we fondly remember him not just because of his accomplishments, but also by the means that he accomplished them. This “self-made man” did not cut corners and was not given any unfair advantages in life. He knew better than to follow the mainstream way of life; Franklin lead an extraordinary life that no other has experienced quite the same. Franklin has effectively created the model for what it means to truly be a “self-made man,” whether another one like him will ever come along or not, we do know that there is and always will be only one Benjamin