Josiah's Son

History debates when this person was born.  Some records indicate January 6th, most say it was today, January 17th.  Regardless, he was born in a very poor family, the last of 17 children.  He dropped out of school at age 10, and started an apprenticeship with his brother James in the printing business.  He would go back and forth between jobs but eventually started writing and then started doing electrical research.  Then he became a politician, being relieved of his duties shortly thereafter for advancing his relatives in jobs around the area.  At 71 years of age, he made a comeback and was chosen as a member of the Continental Congress.  He spent time in France as a commissioner (viewed today as an ambassador) and when he returned was considered only second in place to that of the President in championing American independence.  He died on April 17, 1790 but is remembered today for his many contributions to the freedom of America and to science. 

At the age of 20, Ben wrote 13 virtues for his life that he tried to live by, mastering one per week.  They are as follows:

1. "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
2. "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
3. "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
4. "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
5. "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
6. "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
7. "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
8. "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
9. "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
10. "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
11. "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
12. "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
13. "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

  And yes, there is a connection to this person and Martin Luther King, Jr. day (celebrated today).  Towards the end of his life, Benjamin Franklin wrote several essays that attempted to convince his readers of the importance of the abolition of slavery and of the integration of blacks into American society.  Revolutionary indeed!