Benjamin Franklin Characteristics

From this passage I am able to recognize a sense of development in progress, as well as an assertion that Benjamin Franklin is determined to accomplish greatness no matter what comes his way. By mastering various skills he was able to prove to others his aptitude as well as his value as a hard worker. His industrious attitude is evident as he matures, especially when finding work proved to be a challenge, and definitely key to his success. Franklin’s actions are consistently based on assuring that he makes a name of his own, within his time, and on being recognized as an accomplished individual. When he arrived in Philadelphia his frugal character trait served as a benefit to both him and the expansion of his business opportunities. Franklin noted, “To lessen the Rent… we took in Thomas Godfrey and Glazier, and his Family, who were to pay a considerable Part of it to us, and we to board with them.” (510) Indeed, this decision was a wise move from his behalf. It allowed him to save money and therefore be able to invest what currency he had in his printing business. Apart from being frugal Franklin was also ambitious, driven by self-interest, and perseverance. Other
individuals would have surely given up on their dreams after experiencing all the challenges that Franklin had endured. Even though he didn’t have much money, Franklin took on a printing job and invested all that he had in hopes of achieving success. Needless to say, his likeable personality plus his ability to make social connections eased his path towards fulfilling his long desired aspirations.
Furthermore, Franklin’s ambition to realize the “American Dream,” proved to be difficult yet not impossible. He arrived with nothing to an unfamiliar place determined to imprint his name and leave his legacy behind. Franklin affirmed in his biography, “being our First Fruits and coming so seasonably, gave me more Pleasure than any Crown I have since earn’d.” (510) His first dollar earned gave him a sense of pride as well as representing hopefulness for his future; it gave him pleasure and pushed him to endure his journey towards prosperity. Many people still have these types of reactions after they earn their first dollar. Indeed the feeling of earning the initial income doesn’t compare to any future compensations.
Lastly, aside from the characteristics mentioned above, the fact that Franklin hid his true self from others proved to be a fundamental decision regarding ensuring victory; top of his list were: moving up the social ladder and reaching triumph as a business man.
Evidently throughout his biography, Franklin constantly demonstrated that he worked on improving himself in order to be seen as a man of the Enlightenment. Several people are still using this particular trait nowadays. In order to move up in the world they pretend to be somebody that they are not. Although this is a dishonest move and character trait, it most likely leads certain people to assuring their goals are met. In this world, individuals are constantly being tempted to change themselves in order to fit in or move up in the
world.