Benjamin Franklin : The Life of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin : The Life of Benjamin FranklinBenjamin Franklin was a polymath, a universal genius who was good at everything he turned his hand to. In spite of his humble background with only two years of schooling and an unfinished apprenticeship Benjamin Franklin became a witty writer, a man of science and inventor of astonishing things, a linguist, composer, philosopher and statesman. Benjamin Franklin took part in the American Revolution by signing the Declaration of Independence, secured the victory of the colonies over Britain by winning the support of the French and helped to frame the Constitution of the United States. As a politician Benjamin Franklin never tired of doing the best he could and tried to help others to do the same.Benjamin Franklin was an outstanding individual, but had to make private sacrifices too. Benjamin Franklin's wife Deborah was the love of his life, but they had only two children together. Benjamin Franklin's first child Frankie died of small pox when he was four years old, and Benjamin Franklin had to live with the knowledge that a vaccination could have saved his boy’s life. Benjamin Franklin's daughter Sarah had seven children and looked after her father in his old age. Benjamin Franklin's career involved many long stays abroad and as Deborah refused to accompany him, they hardly ever saw each other and she died lonely and heartbroken. William, his illegitimate son from a relationship before his union with Deborah, deeply disappointed his father by staying loyal to the British during the Revolutionary War. Benjamin never forgave his son. Maybe he derived some comfort from the company of his illegitimate grandson who grew up in his household and later became Benjamin’s secretary. There can be personal tragedy in the life of the most admirable human being. Benjamin Franklin is remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.