Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was one of the most influential figures of the American Enlightenment. Born in Boston, he became a successful printer and publisher in Philadelphia, notably issuing Poor Richard's Almanack. His scientific experiments, including the kite-and-key demonstration of lightning's electrical nature, earned him international fame. A key architect of the American Revolution, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later served as ambassador to France. His literary legacy rests primarily on The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, begun in 1771 and published posthumously. This unfinished work is considered the first classic of American autobiography, establishing the archetype of the self-made man and the American Dream. Its pragmatic, moralistic tone and emphasis on industry, frugality, and civic engagement have profoundly influenced American letters and cultural identity.