Benjamin Franklin :: American History

Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin has influenced American technology, and indirectly, lifestyles by using his proficiencies and perception to conduct numerous experi ments, arrive at theories, and produce several inventions. Franklins scientific and analytical mind enabled him to generate many long lasting achievements which contri plainlyed to the suppuration and refinement of modern technology. Few national heroes, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, play a more significant role in shaping the American way of life than Franklin. According to Fowler, He personified the ideal of the self-made man, and his move from obscurity to eminence exemplified the American dream (32). Looby adds, The study of Franklins image for the prehistoric two centuries shows that his legacy had a distinctive place in American culture (85). It has been felt by many people over the old age that there was no United States inventor as great as Franklin until the time of Thomas A. Edison (Bl ow 24). Franklins words to a friend in Pennsylvania, Joseph Huey, outgo explain his berth not only toward what he considered his civic duties, but also his investigations as a scientist or philosopher. He made both(prenominal) of the most famous and certainly the most practical discoveries of his time. For my own part, when I am employed in serving others, I do not look upon myself as conferring favours, but as paying debts. In my travels, and since my settlement, I brook received much kindness from men, to whom I shall never have any opportunity of making the least direct return . . . I can therefore only return on their fellow men and I can only show my gratitude for these mercies from God, by a readiness to help his other children and my Brethren (Dineen 6). Wright quotes Franklin as saying, As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, and, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours (19). Franklin summarizes his attitude towar d his inventions by asking the question, What signifies Philosophy that does not apply to some recitation? (Fleming 21). Another time Franklin is quoted as saying, Utility is in my opinion the analyze of value in matters of invention, and that a discovery which can be utilise to no use, or is not good for something is good for nothing (Burlingame 39). Franklin never claimed a penny for any of his inventions, devices or experiments. He even distributed little plans of some of his inventions so that anyone could own them.