What did he achieve or accomplish in his field?
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As a printer and a writer, Benjamin Franklin was a proprietor, manager, and assistant in many early newspapers and also published many books that still influence people today. For example, with the help of Hugh Meredith, Benjamin Franklin opened a printing-office. With his new resources, Benjamin created the "Pennsylvania Gazette" and printed it anonymously. He also wrote the 'pamphlet', "Nature and Necessity of a Paper Currency," in his newly acquired newspaper. This is one of the first times the idea of "paper money" was being introduced to the public. Benjamin Franklin also published the "Poor Richard's Almanac," which contained many of his witty and wisdom-filled sayings. This almanac brought together and molded the "American character," which at the time, was made up of many diverse and scattered types.
Why are/were his contributions or accomplishments important?
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As stated before in the "Early Life" section, Benjamin Franklin gained and developed many skills while working as an apprentice under his brother in his printing business. When he was writing anonymously for the newspaper, he included his philosophical ideas in it. The public responded to the articles in a positive manner, so this gave him the confidence he needed to think he was a great "thinker." Just like many other delegates in our country's earliest conventions, Benjamin Franklin produced many great ideas for the founding documents of our country. However, since Benjamin was the only delegate to be directly involved in all four, I believe his ideas would have the greatest influence on the eventual outcome of our country.
Did he invent something, teach others, or both?
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Depending on how you define, "teach others," Benjamin Franklin both invented things and taught others. In the field of engineering and science, Benjamin Franklin invented the glass harmonica, Franklin stove, lightning rod, bifocals, and the odometer. As you can see, Benjamin Franklin invented many things and was very productive in contributing to the field of science. In the aspect of "teaching others," Benjamin Franklin said many influential and wise things that many people could implement in their life and make themselves better people. For example, in his text, "Poor Richard's Almanac," he gave many wise quotes in order to mold the "American character" because it varied largely from person to person back then. It is not stated if his goal was met, but the text was very popular, so it can be logically assumed that it was. In a technical sense, this would still count as teaching because he was giving other people new information that they did not know.
How did he impact the world or the field he worked in?
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As stated before in the "Early Life" section, Benjamin Franklin loved to read books. In 1727, he formed a club named "Junto" with the purpose of debating issues with morals, politics, and natural philosophy, and also helping the community. In order to complete the second purpose, Benjamin Franklin thought that he could gather his and the other members' books in one place. He then decided that he should open it to the public for a small fee to be able to buy more books. This "place" was eventually established as the first public library in America in 1731. This group also believed in the idea that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," or in other words, prevention is better than cure. Benjamin Franklin started writing articles about preventing fire accidents based on the recently stated idea. From this, he formed the first "fire department" called the Union Fire Company. As you can see, Benjamin Franklin impacted the world and our country by creating one of the first fundamental organizations and public places.
What lasting effects did/does he have on the lives of others?
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In 1742, Benjamin Franklin realized and found an inconvenience with the way homes were heated. The scientific and creative part of him surfaced and hacked at this problem until he was able to solve it. The result of his labor was what he called the Pennsylvania Fireplace, now commonly referred to as the Franklin stove. This open stove warmed rooms better than the traditional way of heating homes, while at the same time saved fuel as the fresh air admitted into the home was warmed upon entering. He made a model of this as a present to his old friend, Mr. Robert Grace, which found the open stove to be profitable because it was growing in demand. Governor Thomas was very pleased with Benjamin's invention, so he offered him a patent for the solve vending of the open stove for a certain number of years. However, he abruptly refused to accept the offer. The reason why can be found in one of his greatest quotes; "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." This attitude is rarely found today, but many scientists and engineers unknowingly agree to this idea when they constantly contribute to their respected field, but let others work from their research. In any case, Benjamin Franklin's unselfishness and generous attitude influenced, and is still influencing, people to contribute to the welfare of the society without a goal for self-benefit.