Benjamin Franklin was a world-class inventor. He devised the urinary catheter; swim fins for the feet; the Franklin stove; bifocal eyeglasses; the lightning rod; the lending library; and the U.S. postal system.
He’s credited with creating franchising for the printing industry. Using his own successful print shop as a model, Franklin reportedly offered his business model to other aspiring printers who wanted to follow his example But I think his greatest gifts were his short quotes, which became part of our cultural heritage. Ben warned, “He that speaks much is much mistaken.”
Apprenticed as a printer’s helper, Franklin studied the handbills and circulars his shop printed.
Franklin submit letters or witty sayings under a pseudonym. Later, his creation Poor Richard’s Almanac became a bestseller.
He wrote simply, using basic words and ideas.
He wrote briefly. “Silence is not always a sign of wisdom, but babbling is ever a mark of folly,” Franklin said.
Instead of addressing contemporary issues, Franklin wrote more about human traits, like this one on picking friends: “He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
And…if he were alive today, I think he would be one of this country’s most successful comedians.
“Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.”
-MARK TWAIN