Benjamin Franklin was born 17 January 1706, into a large and poor family. His father had 17 children by two different wives. Benjamin was brought up in the family business of candle making and his brother’s printing shop. Whenever he could, Benjamin would take the opportunity to read and learn about a wide range of subjects, from Sophocles to modern science.
A thinker, inventor, scientist, publisher, writer, diplomat, advisory, soldier, founder of hospitals and libraries, designer of bills, member of the assembly, and more.
Lesson 1: Relinquish ownership and control
Franklin wanted to introduce a public subscription library, but faced resistance because it was perceived as “Franklin’s project”. He quickly recognized the importance of relinquishing ownership and control of worthwhile initiatives if doing so meant that it would be accepted. If you have a groundbreaking idea, and you know that it will be more likely to be accepted if another person presents it, cede control and do not worry about who will get credit for the idea. Your peers will view you in a favorable light and you will build goodwill and trust in the process.
Lesson 2: Never Stop Learning
Franklin scheduled time every day to “prosecute the present study.” That is, he always had something that he was studying, something new to learn. He was always seeking to better himself, to further his knowledge and skills.
Never stop learning. Never let a lack of knowledge hold you back from doing what you dream of. Now more than ever, in the internet age, we have a limitless ocean of knowledge at our fingertips. Anything you want to learn, all you have to do is ask.
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Ben Franklin
As Benjamin Franklin did not have much schooling to speak of, most of his knowledge came through his voracious reading habits. As a young apprentice to his brother, he would read during lunchtime as well as after work.
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Ben Franklin
Lesson 3: Do not squander time
Your time is your life. If you waste your time, you are wasting your life. I’ve never met a successful person who didn’t value their time, and I’ve never met an unsuccessful person who did.
“Dost thou love life? Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.” Ben Franklin
“You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin
Lesson 4: Develop People Skills
Franklin was a man with a charming tongue and great diplomatic skills – and these are what make for smooth conversations and transactions. If you read his autobiography, you will come across various occasions when this skill helped him out. In fact, it can even help you turn your enemies around and make them your friends instead – according to Franklin.
“If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
Lesson 5: Do not procrastinate
Procrastinators should view time as a scarce resource. Each day should be a laboratory wherein you work, discover, and create-; not a jail cell where you wait impatiently for a lucky break. The funny thing about procrastination is that we all know that it’s harmful. Who actually likes to procrastinate? No one enjoys doing that. To achieve greatness you will need to learn techniques to be more productive and avoid procrastination.
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” Picasso
“You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again.” Benjamin Franklin