Undoubtedly one of the most famous among our nation’s founding fathers, and perhaps one of the most prolific and influential Americans in history, Benjamin Franklin, sometimes dubbed “America’s Renaissance man,” is widely considered one of the best representatives of what it means to be a true American. In his legendary writings, Franklin expresses many character traits that are stereotypically associated with common American ideals. Additionally, he is remembered as one of the most industrious Americans of his time; he had a strong work ethic and among his many other accomplishments conceived a number of inventions that benefited and transformed society. All things considered, it would be difficult indeed to find a better representative of foundational American ideals than “the first American” himself, Ben Franklin.

Franklin, born in Boston in 1705, is best remembered as a writer, inventor, and statesmen, though the list of fields he delved in throughout his 84-year lifetime could extend far beyond just these areas. In 1727, he founded a small group of men called the Junto, described in his autobiography as “a club of mutual improvement,” which went on to be influential within his community as similar clubs sharing the same ideals were subsequently formed.

Several years after founding the Junto, Franklin established Poor Richard’s Almanack, a yearly pamphlet that he authored and published under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders. His almanac was very popular; new editions were published annually for 25 years thereafter. To this day, many of Franklin’s witty aphorisms, having originated in the Almanack, still survive in 21st century America.

Ben Franklin is often remembered for his many inventions, the most famous of which including the Franklin stove, the lightning rod, bifocals, and the modern American library system, the latter concept being a collaborative effort between Franklin and his Junto. He also founded the University of Pennsylvania, as well as fundamentally created the American Philosophical Society.

Based on his exceptionally lengthy list of achievements, of which only a fraction have been mentioned here, it is clear that Franklin was a man of industriousness and hard work, which are widely viewed characteristics representing the archetypal American.

If all of that was not enough, Benjamin Franklin was also instrumental in the birth of our great nation. Late in his life, Franklin would rise to become a key political leader as the founding of the United States of America grew imminent. Franklin became a strong advocate for America’s independence from Great Britain, and would ultimately sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In 1787, at the age of 81, Franklin was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention, the birthplace of our Constitution. Franklin was among the 39 delegates at the Convention who also signed the completed Constitution.

In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin is remembered as one of the first and greatest American celebrities of all time, as well as one of the most diversified in his accomplishments. Franklin represents the American ideals of success, strong work ethic, and tolerance, characteristics that have helped shape America into one of the most prosperous and respected nations in history. It thus seems impossible to find a better representative of the archetypal American than the legendary man who appears on our hundred-dollar bill.🔹