Reading: Franklin and the Practice of Virtue

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. As a young person, he worked in a printing shop and spent much of his free time reading. He kept learning even when formal schooling was not available to him. His steady effort, or diligence, helped him build skills that he used throughout his life. Franklin became known as a printer, writer, inventor, and public servant. Although he gained fame, he continued to seek advice and exchange ideas with other people. Being open to learning rather than acting superior showed humility. Franklin also applied careful thinking to problems. His experiments with electricity helped lead to the lightning rod, a device that could protect buildings from lightning damage. He took part in community projects, too, including efforts to establish a lending library and improve public safety. These choices show wisdom: using knowledge to make thoughtful decisions and help others. Franklin’s life offers examples of how diligence, humility, and wisdom can work together. A person can keep learning, listen to others, and put knowledge to useful purposes. These virtues are not only ideas to admire; they can guide choices in everyday life.