Benjamin Franklin's Life And Accomplishments

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is known for his extensive list of accomplishments, including politician, printer, scientist, musician, inventor, and diplomat. He has always been proud of his working class roots after growing up in a poor family. He involves himself with public affairs and causes aimed at improving the lives of others. However, Benjamin Franklin is in no way perfect. He often manipulates people to get what he wants and becomes narcissistic later in life. He establishes myths in his Autobiography that represent American society. Although Franklin believes that he can spin the truth to achieve his goals to be more respected by society, he feels stronger about the idea that determination will lead to success and the admiration of the public.
By over exaggerating
Ben Franklin grows up in a poor family and has to distinguish himself from his siblings. Franklin is the “youngest son of the youngest son for five generations back…” (Franklin Reading 1). His father has two wives, and 17 children in total, which make it difficult for Franklin to find his passion. When he is about 15 years old, he writes an anonymous letter and delivers it to his brother’s printing shop to verify his writing skills and to display his talents. In the letter, signed under the pen name of Silence Dogood, Franklin confirms that he is a self-made man who does not need college to become successful. His parents cannot afford college for him, because of his large family, so he writes this letter in an angry tone to publicize the message that college is not everything. While doing this, Franklin shows society that his determination has led to success, even though he did not attend college. People can relate to him not being able to afford school and it initiates his progression from rags to