One of the most important Americans we will meet in the history of American literature is unquestionably Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). There are several reasons to remember Benjamin Franklin. One important reason is that he has been nicknamed, "The First American."(Isaacson 32). Franklin lived at a critical period in America's history. He helped write and then signed the document that gave the reasons for the final separation of America and England, The Declaration of Independence. He also helped write the document that would help make the laws of America, The Constitution of the United States. Franklin was an excellent diplomat and politician. A simple list of his accomplishments is several pages long. He started the first circulating library in America, founded a college that later became the University of Pennsylvania, made some popular furniture, and studied the laws of electricity-the famous night kite flying experiment. Another important reason for remembering Benjamin Franklin is that he achieved these accomplishments only after great perseverance. Franklin was born into a poor family and had to teach himself because he did not finish school. Though he was born in the middle of the Puritan area of Boston, Franklin felt that men should help themselves. They should not rely only on the teachings that the Puritans believed. Franklin once said, "God helps them that help themselves." This was his life philosophy. By cleverness and hard work he changed himself from the poorly educated son of a candle-maker, a world-renowned scientist, diplomat, philosopher, and writer. The final reason for remembering Benjamin Franklin, of course, is his writing. He was a good writer. He perfected the smooth, clear, short sentences of the Puritan plain style. Today he is remembered mainly for his Autobiography (Paris 1791; America 1818).
