Benjamin Franklin
Polymath, Diplomat, Inventor · American
1706 – 1790
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Franklin was a polymath who excelled as a writer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and civic leader. He systematically cultivated virtue through his famous '13 virtues' self-improvement program.
Core Values
What Benjamin prioritized and lived by, ranked by importance.
Relentless work ethic and productivity
Lifelong learning and character development
Creating institutions that benefit society
Living below means to gain independence
Focus on what works rather than abstract theory
How They Spent Their Time
A typical distribution of how Benjamin allocated their energy and attention.
Printing, publishing, investments
Experiments, inventions, correspondence
Diplomacy, founding institutions, politics
Junto club, salons, building relationships
Continuous education, Poor Richard's Almanack
Guiding Principles
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
What They Sacrificed
- Left his wife Deborah alone for years during diplomatic missions
- Estranged from his son William over political differences
- Gave away many inventions (like bifocals) rather than patent them
- Endured criticism and mockery for his scientific ideas
Their Legacy
- Founding Father - helped draft Declaration of Independence and Constitution
- Invented bifocals, lightning rod, Franklin stove
- Founded first public lending library, fire department, university
- Poor Richard's Almanack wisdom still quoted today
Learn More
Would you consider Benjamin's life a "good life"?
What would you embrace? What would you do differently?