Say the name Benjamin Franklin and you may picture a chubby man with spectacles holding a kite during a lightening storm. Perhaps you picture him a older man with spectacles propped up on his nose standing in a great room full of distinguished gentlemen signing the Declaration of Independence. Both of these facts about Benjamin Franklin's life would be true. However, there was so much more to Mr. Franklin. He was a diplomat, a statesman, a scientist, and a writer. His contributions to our society were more than just to America but to the world. For the purpose of this paper we will just discuss the inventions he produced which had a world impact. (Fish 2).
Ben Franklin was Mr Franklin used the name “double spectacles” for bifocals (Isaacson 426). His invention of bifocals have allowed many people to do every day activities so much easier. Such as being able to drive and look out the window and see clearly in the distance as well as glancing down to look at the odometer without having to switch to your other pair of glasses. Now people can sit in the restaurant and read the menu and look around the room while using the same pair of eyeglasses. As you can see many daily tasks are easier due to this invention. Furthermore, people only need to purchase one pair of eyeglasses versus two pairs. These days people are prone to have more complications from eyestrain due to frequent use of computers and other computer-like systems. A person who does not need bifocal glasses cannot appreciate the value of this invention in every day use. For Mr. Franklin, he found another benefit to his bifocals. He once said, “This I find more particularly convenient since my being in France, the glasses that serve me best at table to see what I eat, not being the best to see the faces of those on the other side of the table who speak to me; and when one's ears are not well accustomed to the sounds of a language, a sight of the movement in the features of him that speaks helps to explain; so that I understand French better by the help of my spectacles.” (Brands 622).
Benjamin Franklin was not the Leonardo Da Vinci of the Enlightenment movement. Benjamin Franklin may have brought about Enlightenment ideas through the U.S. constitution however he doesn’t symbolize the Leonardo Da Vinci of the Enlightenment because Thomas Hobbes clearly represents that in a more influential way. Thomas Hobbes was a philosopher who began the Enlightenment because of his Leviathan, which states his theories and highlights the ideas of the Enlightenment. He not only started the Enlightenment…
The Life and Influence of Benjamin Franklin and His Impact on America Today. By David Jacobson As America’s population reached 300 million people last year, experts predicted the three-hundredth million baby was probably born to a mother who was an immigrant or a son or daughter of an immigrant. While Americans reflect on all the people who have helped shape this country into what it is today and the billions of people who have lived here at one time or another, it is impossible…
Benjamin Franklin “All who think cannot but see there is a sanction like that of religion which binds us in partnership in the serious work of the world.”- Benjamin Franklin (Qtd. in Brainy Quotes) Benjamin Franklin is known as one of the “founding fathers” of America. He was a businessman, writer, and a member of various political groups. His writings are an important part in American literature. Franklin was brought into this world on January 17, 1706; his parents, Josiah and Abiah…
in American history could be more celebrated than Benjamin Franklin for his work as a writer, statesman and patriot? Benjamin Franklin’s first claim to fame arose with his articulate abilities to pen and print the written word. Although he did not receive much education, Franklin loved to read and learn on his own. Consequently, this love for the written word prompted Franklin to open a print shop in Philadelphia. After opening his shop, Franklin published a newspaper called, “The Pennsylvania Gazette…
Benjamin Franklin: "The Autobiography of B. Franklin" 10th of 17 children successful printer, inventor, statesman, and writer inventions lightening rod bifocal eyeglasses Franklin stove Daylight savings time recounts his first trip to Philly tells his boat tup from Burlington to Philadelphia tells about his first meal in Philly restful stay at a Quaker meeting House Patrick Henry born: 1736 died: 1799 "Give me liberty or give me death." was a lawyer who developed his gift for public…
The Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, we get a good representation of the American Dream in literary form. Franklin was the first person to write an autobiography in a non-religious way and it’s a good representation to readers today, of what life was like for people during the time of the 18th century in America. Although intellectualism was flourishing during this time, it wasn’t common for people to write about their personal and daily lives, and achievements. Franklin first went to school at…
-Benjamin Franklin’s shocking life will keep you on your toes. Benjamin Franklin was a great leader, also well known as a writer, politician, and scientist. He was the first person to capture electricity. Because of all his great skills, he was able to become one of the most famous people of all time. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17,1706 in Boston, Massachusetts . He was the tenth son of seventeen children of a man who made soap and candles. In his youth, he wrote and sold ballads.Writing…
Benjamin Franklin Although he had over 10 inventions by himself, Benjamin Franklin did not have a single patent. He was a man of true simplicity whose humble nature carried him along way. “He helped found a new nation and defined the American character. Writer, inventor, diplomat, businessman, musician, scientist, humorist, civic leader, international celebrity . . . genius.” (Pbs1). Most people would associate Benjamin’s inventions with electricity, but he also dabbled around in other fields…
Shirley House Franklin, Benjamin., The Autobiography and Other Writings., Penguin Books., New York, NY, 1986., 268 pgs. The book The Autobiography and Other Writings by Author Dr. Benjamin Franklin turned out to be a great book. I would have never picked up a book like this in my life. I’m happy I was introduced to the work. It was truly an amazing read. In the beginning, Franklin explained that he was the youngest son and the 15th child of 17 children. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a soap and…
Marc Medina POS 2041 Professor Shirley Term Project: Biographical Profile December 8th. 2014 Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin was born in January 17, 1706 in Boston. He was the 15th sibling to be born out of 17. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a candle maker. Josiah Franklin had seven children with is first wife, Anne Child, and 10 children with his second wife Abiah Folger. At 10 years old Benjamin was withdrawn from Boston Latin School he was attending. He wasn’t interested in working with…