Few names stand so tall in the annals of American history as that of Benjamin Franklin. His life
embodied the essence of pure ambition and accomplishment.
The accolades he achieved are so many as to make the man seem almost otherworldly.
Though some have cast aspersions on the legitimacy of his greatness, none can argue that he
left an enduring legacy on his country and the world at large.
What is there to learn from the life of Benjamin Franklin that can enable us to be more
successful individually and as a society?
The Need for Persistence, Diligence, and Adaptation
Like other noble individuals in history, Benjamin Franklin did not come from a prestigious
background. In fact, his family was lower middle-class at best. Still, his father, Josiah, ingrained
in Benjamin the morals and spirit of hard work that motivated him throughout his life.
Josiah was born to a blacksmith in England and naturally took up his father’s trade. Upon
arriving in the New World at age 25, Josiah found that supply had already met demand in the
smithing business. He wasted no time in switching vocations to a very different medium –
working in tallow (or animal fat), from which he made candles and soaps.
Comparably, Benjamin became a true Renaissance man and a Bellwether who assumed
various trades and business ventures as opportunity permitted. Not every endeavor was
successful, but like his father, he was never afraid to dive into a new situation that was full of
potential and then adapt to it.
Here, we see how Benjamin Franklin learned the time-honored values of hard work and
persistence. Beyond that, these characteristics emboldened him to successfully apply what wise
figures have called “the Law of Adaptation.”
No creature is as resilient and adaptable as the human being. Under duress and backed into a
corner, people can achieve monumental tasks. Franklin assumed that same intrepid spirit his
father and other colonists had and pushed it to its pinnacle.
For example, as a teenage apprentice to his older brother, young Benjamin began to bristle
under the limitations placed upon him. He found his way onto a ship, where he took the arduous
journey from Boston to Philadelphia.
Benjamin adapted and made a life and a name for himself as a gifted printer’s assistant in his
new city. However, false promises and misfortune landed him across the ocean in London
where he was penniless and alone. Undeterred, the stalwart youth worked for two years as a
printer’s assistant and swimming instructor until he could pay his way back home at age 20.
Like many stellar examples before and after him, Franklin did not let difficulties define him. He
became comfortable with discomfort, adapted, and grew.
We learn that we must not be afraid of discomfort or difficulty. By embracing the possibilities of a
negative situation, we may learn, grow, and triumph in life.
The Value of Dedication to Perpetual Self-Improvement
The journey back to Philadelphia provided 20-year-old Franklin ample time for reflection. At this
point, he decided to craft his life’s course by charting a path to moral perfection.
Franklin began with 12 principles until a friend called to his attention that he had omitted
humility. Embracing this very quality, Franklin added it to his list and admitted the contribution
was not his idea.
In later years, Franklin acknowledged he never reached perfection but stated that the pursuit
made him “a better and a happier man.”
The lesson? Those who want something more than a common life must commit themselves to
creating and executing a plan for the life they desire. Great things do not occur by accident, and
that holds true for a successful existence.
Make it your aim to adopt personal laws and principles that will guide you to success. You might
develop these on your own, or you may find an ideal framework through some altruistic
association or group of like-minded individuals who also aspire to excellence.
The Power of Influence
Franklin realized the most enduring impact he could have was not in the size of his bank
account but in the impact of his influence. Of course, the wealth he gained could contribute to
that goal, and he seized the opportunity. His life fully embodied what one could term the Law of
Influence.
In Business
Franklin’s choice of work demonstrated the importance of influence to him. For example, he
remained involved with writing and publishing, where he could spread his ideas.
One of his most outstanding commercial efforts was the publishing of Poor Richard’s Almanack.
Of course, Franklin’s ultimate goal in this was to promote his business. However, his almanac
displayed masterful content marketing that provided genuine value to his readers.
The almanac’s stated goals were to improve the morality, virtue, and monetary status of its
readers. Each volume was full of wit and wisdom, as well as practical advice for the community.
Eventually, the promotional material became the commodity itself. As a result of this commercial
success, his business and reputation grew, and he could further impact the world.
(His brilliance in many fields became so well-known that he was the natural choice to become
an international ambassador on behalf of the young American nation.)
In One’s Social Life
Franklin’s influence did not stop at politics and business. As a true man of the community, he
joined various organizations and societies. Some of these were secretive in nature, others were
well-known, but all concentrated on the betterment of humankind.
He even founded his own society, the Junto Club. There, young men could give attention to
fresh ideas and personal improvement by considering philosophical and scientific advances of
the day.
No, Franklin was not a man of solitary interests. He sought influence for the good of society and
helped initiate many beneficial outcomes. For instance, the Junto Club encouraged the
formation of the nation’s earliest police force, fire brigade, and hospital, as well as the
predecessor of the University of Pennsylvania.
We learn here the importance of taking on commercial enterprises with goals higher than that of
making money. We must also engage in recreation and leisure with desires greater than self-
satisfaction.
Work to bring something of outstanding value to society. Grasp any possibilities for influence
and use them for good. You, too, could create generational wealth and international impact.
Benjamin Franklin: A Model of Thriving and Prosperity
Benjamin Franklin is a shining example of the capacity of the human spirit. Though he never
served as a President of the United States, his figure is as iconic as any Commander in Chief. It
can be said without reservation that Benjamin Franklin was a Bellwether of his time.
Fittingly, Franklin’s face adorns the $100 bill. He represents what it means to give yourself
completely to the pursuit of success – he always gave 100%.
Truly amazing things are possible when you devote yourself to personal improvement and
appreciate the pursuit of positively influencing others. However, the road to international impact
and enduring influence requires a lifestyle of full commitment to exalted principles.
When you desire inspiration for how to dedicate your life to lofty goals, you can hardly do better
than the great Benjamin Franklin.