Franklin’s contributions to his country, to science, to better understanding between nations and peoples were immense. His maxims on thrift and moral virtues have been extolled to generations of school children. His wit and wisdom have added to the world’s riches. He was many men in one—statesman, scientist, inventor, writer, humorist, philosopher, and a friend of humanity who shared himself with all around him.
“Who that know and love you can bear the thoughts of surviving you in this gloomy world?” cried out Jane Mecom, his beloved sister, shortly before his death.
Posterity would provide her answer. Because Benjamin Franklin lived and enjoyed life, the world would be a little less gloomy and a little more pleasant for all who came after him.
SUGGESTED READING
Aldrich, Alfred Owen, Franklin and His French Contemporaries. New York, New York University Press, 1957.
The American Heritage Book of the Revolution. By the Editors of American Heritage. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1958.
Augur, Helen, The Secret War of Independence. New York, Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1955.
Burt, Struthers, Philadelphia Holy Experiment. New York, Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1945.
Clark, William Bell, Ben Franklin’s Privateers. Baton Rouge, La., Louisiana State University Press, 1956.
Fäy, Bernard, Franklin, the Apostle of Modern Times. Boston, Little, Brown, and Company, 1929.