: Franklin lived by a "bold and arduous project" of personal betterment, adhering to 13 virtues designed to achieve "moral perfection".
While other intellectuals of the 18th century were concerned with abstract theology, Ben Franklin was worried about leaky roofs and smoky chimneys. His inventions were born of necessity and practicality:
“I have a collection of things that do not belong to me,” he said. “Would you like to see it?” Franklin
If Benjamin Franklin represents the intellectual foundation of America, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) represents its emotional and political resilience. The 32nd President of the United States, FDR is often ranked among the greatest presidents in history, having led the country through two of its greatest crises: the Great Depression and World War II.
Start with cold meat; it is much easier to trim when the fat is firm. Trim the fat cap down to about 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch and remove the "deckle" (the hard fat between the point and flat) to ensure it renders properly. : Franklin lived by a "bold and arduous
His contributions to science alone would have secured his place in history. His famous kite experiment proved that lightning was electrical, leading to the invention of the lightning rod, which saved countless buildings from fire. He invented bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the flexible urinary catheter. Yet, perhaps his greatest invention was the concept of civic infrastructure. He helped establish the first public library in America, the first volunteer fire department, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Franklin showed her the mitten, the postcard, the broken watch. He explained each object’s provenance with the careful precision of a scholar and the trembling pride of a child showing a parent a crayon drawing. Mira laughed—a wet, surprised sound—and then she cried again, but differently. “Would you like to see it
He never climbed that mountain. But he wrote a story about it, and Mira read the story aloud to the squirrels, and the squirrels did not understand a single word, but they stayed to listen anyway.
When you hear the word "Franklin" in casual conversation today, it is often as slang for money: "I need to make a few Franklins before the weekend."
: His relentless curiosity led to the invention of the lightning rod (1750), swim fins (1717), and bifocals (1784).