 Benjamin Franklin

A busy life…  Born in Boston; the 10 th son in a family of 15 children.  Almost got offered to the church as a “tithe”  Apprenticed to his printer brother  Independent and clever  Astute businessman; believed that anyone in business should assume a persona that best served his and his clients’ interests, even if it meant putting on a mask

A Valued Member of Society…  Poor Richard’s Almanack  Unusually progressive views of women  Had an illegitimate child  Retired from business at 42 having founded a library, invented a stove, established a fire company, subscribed to what would become the University of Pennsylvania, and was secretary to the American Philosophical Society.  Had a gift for irony…it wasn’t always taken well.

Franklin the Statesmen  A born diplomat  Appointed minister to France in October 1776; negotiated the treaty of allegiance with France that helped end the Revolutionary War.  Delegate to the Constitutional Convention  Wrote many works under many pseudonyms  When he died, 20,000 people attended his funeral.

“The Way to Wealth”  Written under the name Richard Saunders  Full of “helpful” advice on how to achieve wealth  Some of the difficulties lie in trying to decipher what is irony and what is actual helpful advice.  This is the preface to the issue of his almanac entitled Poor Richard Improved.

“The Way to Wealth”  P. 236  Takes joy in being “respectfully quoted” by other authors; are these his REAL feelings?  “the great deficiency of praise would have quite discouraged me.”  He quotes himself with “great gravity,” though he very rarely comes across as serious  Father Abraham  P. 237  Heavy taxes are hurting pocketbooks.  “God helps those who help themselves.”  Sloth is not a good thing.  Don’t waste time.  Do your work today; you never know what will pop up tomorrow.

“The Way to Wealth”  P. 238  Leisure time is meant to be spent doing something useful.  Be careful how much you trust others.  “…a little neglect may breed great mischief…”  Little things can lead to big issues.  P. 239  Saving is very important!  Beware of little expenses.  If you don’t really need it, think twice before buying it.  Make sure you put the “necessaries” first.

“The Way to Wealth”  P. 240  “…a plowman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees…”  Take the speaker’s advice…should we?  Pride…it can be a dangerous thing.  Be careful of debt…it can control you.  P  When you borrow, you give that lender control over you.  “Expense is constant and certain…”  If you won’t take advice, you can’t really be helped.  If it doesn’t need to be replaced, use it until it does.

 So… Do you take his advice seriously? What should he have done to ensure that people see the great suggestions he presents?