The Americanization Of Benjamin Franklin By Wood Summary

In The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin, Wood explains the life of the Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, and shows how he became one of America’s greatest icons. Also, he gives readers a new understanding of the American Revolution and a profound insight into the emergence of America’s ideas itself (16). Wood also examines the events that caused Franklin’s life and views to change not only himself but American Culture (246). Moreover, individuals today do not know where life will lead them; however, just like Franklin he was never destined to be the symbol of significance as the entrepreneurial American nor was he destined to be an American (x). Therefore, just like Franklin, individuals should never give up nor settle for less in order to achieve their dreams. Franklin was a remarkably difficult figure to understand. In The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin, Wood starts off by discussing how everyone has different views in regards to Franklin. Then he continues on saying how he does not blame individuals for having different views because Franklin himself was known as “The man of …show more content…
However, everyone has different views and/or assumptions about Franklin. Wood wants to show individuals Franklin as a man, with human qualities that were lost in the more popular character. He allows us to see that beneath Franklin, one of the greatest, lies flaws and foibles that are missed in actually telling his story. Also, he describes how Franklin helped secure America’s independence which is why he refers to it as “The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin.” Therefore, as Franklin stated, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, but involve me and I will learn.” Just like Franklin, individuals today should become more involved in educating themselves and becoming better. Yes, there may be problems along the way; however, individuals should be like franklin and persevere through it