The Self-Made Scholar: Benjamin Franklin's Unconventional Education

enjamin Franklin was an American polymath known for his writing, inventions, and political career. He played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States and famously signed the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, he was the first postmaster general responsible for mail delivery throughout the country.

Formal Education Cut Short:

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

Born in 1706, Franklin's family could only afford him a brief stint in Boston Latin School, followed by another year with a private tutor. Financial constraints forced him to leave formal education at the tender age of ten.

The Apprentice Printer and the Power of Reading:

“Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

At 12, Franklin began his apprenticeship with his printer brother James. This twist of fate proved pivotal. The printing shop provided access to a vast library of books and pamphlets. Franklin devoured them with a hunger for knowledge that transcended the limitations of formal education.

A Commitment to Self-Improvement:

Franklin meticulously crafted his curriculum. He employed a "Junto" system, a discussion group where members debated and shared knowledge. He also created the "Socratic Club," another platform for intellectual exchange.

Developing the Tools of a Polymath:

Franklin's self-education was active. He actively honed his writing skills through anonymous essays under pseudonyms like "Silence Dogood." He devised time management and self-discipline methods, as documented in his famous "Autobiography."

Beyond Books: Learning from Experience:

Franklin understood the value of practical knowledge. His apprenticeship as a printer fueled his intellectual pursuits and instilled in him the value of craftsmanship and hard work.

His travels across America and Europe exposed him to diverse cultures and broadened his perspective.

Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”― Benjamin Franklin

The Legacy of an Unorthodox Education and Fueling Ingenuity:

Franklin's self-education directly influenced his scientific pursuits and inventions. His wide reading exposed him to new ideas and discoveries in physics and mathematics.

This knowledge, coupled with his curiosity and practical skills, led to groundbreaking experiments with electricity. His famous kite experiment, designed to prove the electrical nature of lightning, is a prime example of how his self-directed learning fueled his ingenuity.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin

Franklin, the Writer and Businessman

As Franklin learned about the printing business, he read everything that he and his brother printed. He realized that in his time, the ability to write eloquently was rare, and those who could write well were paid attention to.

Franklin's first published work was a series of essays in the "New England Courant." He used a pseudonym, and people assumed that someone with a higher education wrote his work, which pleased him.

Within a few years, Franklin owned his own printing company in Philadelphia. After publishing an essay about the necessity of paper currency, Franklin's company was awarded the job of printing all of Pennsylvania's paper money. He also printed currency for New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

In addition, Franklin published the popular "Pennsylvania Gazette" and "Poor Richard's Almanac."

By the time he was in his 40s, Franklin was one of the wealthiest businessmen in the northern colonies.

Benjamin Franklin's Inventions

I didn’t fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.” - Benjamin Franklin

1748 Benjamin Franklin was 42 years old and had a successful printing business. He retired to focus on public service and his interest in science.

Franklin conducted experiments on electricity and invented the lightning rod to prevent fires caused by lightning. He also devised several electricity-related terms, such as battery, charge and conductor. 

Franklin studied other topics like ocean currents, meteorology, the common cold, and refrigeration. He invented the Franklin stove, which provided more heat while using less fuel than other stoves, and bifocal eyeglasses, which allowed for distance and reading use.

In the early 1760s, he invented a musical instrument called the glass armonica. 

Franklin's famous kite experiment in 1752 demonstrated that lightning is electricity. Composers like Ludwig Beethoven and Wolfgang Mozart wrote music for the glass armonica.

However, the instrument lost popularity by the early 19th century.

Travels around Europe

In 1771, Franklin travelled through different parts of England, staying with acquaintances, including Joseph Priestley, Thomas Percival, and Erasmus Darwin. He also spent time in Scotland, visiting Lord Kames and staying with David Hume in Edinburgh.

Franklin cherished his time in Scotland, considering it "six weeks of the densest happiness" in his life. During his time in Ireland, he stayed with Lord Hillsborough and was honoured with an invitation to sit with members of the Irish Parliament.

While touring the country, he was deeply affected by the poverty he witnessed. Franklin also spent two months in German lands in 1766 and expressed gratitude towards German scientist Otto von Guericke for his early studies of electricity.

The Enduring Value of Self-Education in the Digital Age:

At age 21, Franklin created the Junto, a collective of "like-minded aspiring artisans and tradesmen who hoped to improve themselves while they improved their community".

The Junto served as a platform for discussing current events and inspired the formation of numerous other organizations in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin's story is an inspiration for anyone seeking knowledge.

It demonstrates that formal education, while valuable, is one of many paths to intellectual achievement. Curiosity, self-discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning can unlock a world of knowledge.

Today, the vast online resources provide opportunities for self-directed learning unimaginable in Franklin's time. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), countless educational websites, and digital libraries offer a wealth of information on any topic imaginable.

Like Franklin, anyone with an internet connection and a thirst for knowledge can embark on self-discovery and intellectual growth.