Benjamin Franklin is one of the most well known early American figures. Despite the fact that he is one of the very few Founding Fathers who never held the office of President of the United States, or any other national elected position, he is known worldwide and is widely respected. Benjamin Franklin can easily be compared to a Renaissance man or polymath in the mold of Leonardo Da Vinci or Francis Bacon. Best known as a scientist and statesman, he was also an able administrator, an inventor, a philosopher, a musician and diplomat. He has made several lasting impressions on the American life and experience in the modern day, including an advanced sense of public service, and popularization of altruism. This continued legacy keeps Benjamin Franklin in the American mind, and simultaneously displays his desire for a lasting legacy after his death that was neither associated with his name, nor credited to him.
Often referred to as the “only President of the United States who was never President of the United States,” Benjamin Franklin enjoyed enormous influence in pre-Revolution American and during the Constitutional period. A signatory to the Declaration of Independence, an author of the Articles of Confederacy, President of Pennsylvania, Ambassador to several European countries, and the first Postmaster General, Franklin clearly served his country in a public manner. Despite this, he never truly enjoyed high office, or indeed many advantages from his positions (he was independently wealthy). His service was often given purely because it was needed. The nation found itself in need of a representative in France, which Franklin realized he was well suited for. As a Founding Father, his presence showed adequate respect to the French, without drawing a President or other major politician away from his duties. This concept of public service and putting the country first has embedded itself into the American psyche.
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"Benjamin Franklin: An American Life".
Similar to his commitment to public service, Benjamin Franklin was dedicated to spreading the concept of altruism. Constantly harped upon in his autobiography and his other writings, Franklin sought to ensure that others would benefit from his works and innovation. A prime example of this is his innovative works. Many of his works were designed to increase efficiency and improve the human conditions. Increased use of printing presses for news and other communication, harmonizing thinking on optimization and other major advances were designed to help others. He wrote in his autobiography “as we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously.”
These two lasting impressions on American life are not only important and have integrated themselves into American culture, but are clearly in accordance with his vision for his life’s work. As noted earlier in the paper, he rarely sought financial gain, personal recognition or other compensation for his actions and work. His goal was to do exactly what he has done, create an indelible effect to better the American people, their situation and by extension, the world.
Benjamin Franklin is currently thought as a great American leader and contributor to culture, and will likely go down as a major figure in world history.
