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    History and Headlines
    You are at:Home»April»April 14»April 14, 1775: Benjamin Franklin is The Most Interesting Man in the World!
    April 14

    April 14, 1775: Benjamin Franklin is The Most Interesting Man in the World!

    Major DanBy Major DanApril 14, 2016Updated:March 9, 2020146 Comments3 Mins Read
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    A Brief History

    On April 14, 1775, Benjamin Franklin along with Benjamin Rush founded the first abolitionist society in the US, The Society For the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage.  Apparently, in those days catchy acronyms were not the style!

    Digging Deeper

    Ben Franklin was a man of such a variety of talents and involved in so many things we have to call him The Most Interesting Man in the World!

    Franklin’s birthplace on Milk Street, Boston, Massachusetts

    Born in 1706 in Boston, Franklin worked as a young man as a printer.  When only 15 he scored his first of many major firsts, in this case founding the country’s first independent newspaper.  A man of science and letters, Franklin was an accomplished writer and inventor while also being politically and socially active, serving as a political writer (Poor Richard’s Almanac), ambassador to France, and influential member of the Founding Fathers that set up the war for independence and the framing of the constitution.

    1739 Edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack

    Outgoing and popular, Franklin was not an ideal family man, but he sure was popular with the ladies!  Famous for one or more illegitimate children, Franklin also gave us the pot-bellied or Franklin stove, bifocal eyeglasses, perfected the lightning rod, founded the first circulating public library, started the first post office, experimented with electricity and served as the first Postmaster General of the US. Franklin even invented a nifty musical instrument called the Glass Armonica!

    A modern glass armonica built using Benjamin Franklin’s design

    Franklin also studied ocean currents, the nature of light, the effects of evaporation on cooling, weather patterns, various factors effecting electrical transmission, population growth rates, and he even invented the process by which a decision can be logically arrived at by listing the Pros and Cons in two columns.  Aside from the abolitionist society he also founded other societies and created the first public fire department!

    Although Franklin did own slaves, he did free them and campaign for the abolition of slavery. He also was an advocate of freedom of religion, although he may well have been an atheist himself.

    Ben Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, so in a way you can say he also invented the United States!  All these things listed here are but an incomplete list of Franklin’s accomplishments, and for absolutely fascinating reading we encourage you to look into this amazing man’s life in more detail.

    Pictured on our $100 bill (and formerly on the half-dollar coin), Franklin is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, American of all time, and deserving of the title, The Most Interesting Man in the World!

    Obverse of a Series 2006A $100 note.

    Question for students (and subscribers): Whom do you consider to be the most interesting man of 1700s?  Please let us know in the comments section below this article.

    If you liked this article and would like to receive notification of new articles, please feel welcome to subscribe to History and Headlines by liking us on Facebook and becoming one of our patrons!

    Your readership is much appreciated!

    Historical Evidence

    For more information, please see…

    Franklin, Benjamin.  The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.  Tribeca Books, 2013.

    Isaacson, Walter.  Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.  Simon & Schuster, 2004.

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    Major Dan
    Major Dan

      Major Dan is a retired veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Cold War and has traveled to many countries around the world. Prior to his military service, he graduated from Cleveland State University, having majored in sociology. Following his military service, he worked as a police officer eventually earning the rank of captain prior to his retirement.

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      <span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1752 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1752">146 Comments

      1. Avatar
        Katlyn Denissoff on April 14, 2014 10:55 am

        I found this article very interesting. I had no idea how amazing Franklin was. After reading this article I thought me so much about him and all that he achieved in life.

        Reply
      2. Avatar
        BY on April 14, 2014 11:52 am

        Today, I learned a great deal about Franklin. I didn’t know he achieved so many different things in his life. I think he quite the guy!!!!!

        Reply
      3. Avatar
        Bricker on April 14, 2014 1:00 pm

        I am very impressed with the accomplishments of Ben Franklin. It is easy to see why he was quite the ladies man. The man was very intelligent and helped to develop the world and technology as it is today.

        Reply
      4. Avatar
        Carol Hixson on April 14, 2014 7:12 pm

        I did not know of all Franklin’s accomplishments. He accomplished much in his lifetime. Very interesting.

        Reply
      5. Avatar
        MB on April 14, 2014 7:16 pm

        I am shocked at all he has accomplished, i never knew how much he accomplished.

        Reply
      6. Avatar
        Matt M on April 14, 2014 7:56 pm

        I knew some of his larger accomplishments but I was not aware of all of them. Very impressive to have done that much. What a guy!

        Reply
      7. Avatar
        Owen on April 15, 2014 8:56 am

        I did not know he had so many accomplishments. They really dly under the radar.

        Reply
      8. Avatar
        JHanna on April 15, 2014 1:30 pm

        The only thing i ever really knew about Benjamin Franklin was the story of him and the kite. I did not know he did so much else.

        Reply
      9. Avatar
        Jake Carson on April 19, 2014 5:50 pm

        ….It just doesn’t get any
        better than seeing the gorgeous “Mrs. Anita Pelaez” over at her and her
        Famous Husband “Captain Kutchie’s”place..Some Folks Also Call Him..”The
        KutchMan others call him The KutchMon!”…Most Just Call Him “The Most
        Interesting Man In The World”….(Anita and Kutchie Pelaez’s Key West, Key
        Lime Pie Factory and Grill)…Just Watching The Lovely Couple Baking
        Together All Those Yummy Key Lime Pies At Their Key Lime Pie Factory And
        Grill In Asheville. …It’s Always Worth The Trip To Visit Them In
        They’re Historic Key Lime Pie Factory and Grill…It Should Be On
        Everyone’s Bucket List For Sure..And The World’s Best Key Lime
        Pies!..YUM-YUM-YUM….­­.”Talk About World Class” What An
        Understatement!…….AA­­HHHHH!….The Magic Of The Lovely..”Mrs. Anita
        Pelaez” And Her Delicious Key Lime Pies Baked With Pure Love…Always……40
        Years And They’re Still Going Strong…. ….May GOD Continue Blessing
        “Anita And Kutchie Pelaez” and They’re World Famous Key Lime Pie Factory
        And Grill Where The Personalities, Ovens And Smiles Are Always Warm And
        Inviting. ….“Kutcharitaville” You’re The Best And We Love You!…. …Now
        You Know Who Is The Hottest!…And Baby Let Me Tell You, Mrs. Anita Is No
        Act…She’s The Real Thing Baby!… ….Located Near The Biltmore House And
        Estate….. ….Who Could Ask For Anything More?…Anita’s Key Lime Pie…(Hell
        Yes!) ….Just Think, Kutchie’s Goody Goody Cheese Burgers, First Billed
        As “The Original Cheese Burgers In Paradise!” Way Back In 1974 By
        “Kutchie’s Good Friend “Mr Levi Stubbs” Lead Singer Of The Four
        Tops….”Sorry “Buffett”…Kutchie’s Version Of “Cheese Burgers In Paradise”
        Came A Few Years Before Yours Did, “Dog Ate Your Home-Work?”!!…Yeah,
        Jimmy, It’s The Same Kutchie Pelaez,-The Famous Deep Sea Underwater And
        Treasure Explorer/Megalodon Shark Tooth Hunter. Who Worked Along With
        “Mel Fisher”, “Captain Tony Tarracino”, “Yankee Jack”, “Michael
        McCloud”, “Alabama Jack” , “Vito Bertucci” and Many Others Of Key West
        Fame. ….That Alone Is Quite A Pretty Big Deal If You Ask Me.
        ….”Hell”,..It’s A Pretty Big Deal Even If You Don’t Ask Me. ….Research,
        Continually Confirms The Fact That The Pelaez’s World Famous Key Lime
        Pies Truly Increases Married Couple’s Sex Rates By No Less Than 300%
        Respectively. It Also Shows That Said Sexual Encounters Are Much, Much
        More Enjoyable Than They Ever Were Before The Consumption Of The
        Pelaez’s Key Lime Pies. …..And On A Sad Note. It Has Been Reported That
        The Consumption Of The Famous Key Lime Pies Are Quite Detrimental To The
        Practices Of Divorce Attorneys. But, That’s Not Bad. Hell That’s Good
        News. …Not A Sad Note, A Happy Note! The Pelaez’s Pies Are A Win-Win-Win
        For Everyone Involved! ….I Guess You Could Say What Has Been Said Many
        Times Before,…”AHHH” The Magic Of The Lovely Anita Pelaez And Her Key
        Lime Pies…. ….I Do Know First Hand That The Pelaez’s Famous Key Lime
        Pies Have The Ability To Turn Small Stream Squirters Into Major League
        Gushers Or Some Might Call Them “Niagara Falls”. Holly Molly, Let Those
        Good Times Flow, Baby! ….It’s No Wonder Everyone Believes That Kutchie
        Pelaez Is The Most Interesting Man In The World…..”Damn He Really Is”
        For Sure! …..That “Kutchie”, He Looks Marvelous Dahling!… ….”Hemingway”,
        Had Nothing On The “KutchMan”… ….Someone Overheard The “Kutchman” Say
        One Day That He Thought That He Was A Lesbian!… We Don’t Want To see Him
        Coming Out Of The Toilet With Just His Dick In His Hands! ….If He Ever
        Needs Any Guidance, Who’s A Better Consiglieri Than His Father?….They
        Both Season They’re Garlic With Food! ….And For Our Old Friend, This Key
        Lime Pie Is For You….”HAROLD RAMIS”,….Rest In Peace Buddy….. ….Just
        4-U…007, Who Would Name A Room “Blanche Devereaux” ? Who-Who-Who???
        ….Who Was That Most Interesting Man? ….And Sadly, This Key Lime Pie
        Award Goes-Out To Our Old Friend Jay Trayinor The Original Jay Of “Jay
        And The Americans”. Rest In Peace Old Buddy, We Are Going To Miss
        You….And With A Heavy Heart We Are Also Offering-Up A Key Lime Pie For
        Our Old Buddie “David Brenner”….Rest In Peace Man….
        ….What’s Size Got To Do With It?….Tell Me, Tell Me, Tell Me!!!….

        ….It’s
        The Kind Of Medicine No Doctor Can Prescribe…..(Anita and Kutchie’s
        World Famous Key Lime Pies)…..Get It In “Kutcharitaville”!!!…..

        ….Yep…They’re
        Called “Goody Goody” The Original “Cheeseburgers In Paradise”!….Only
        Place You Will Ever Find Them Is At “Kutcharitaville”. Yep That’s It
        Pilgrim, Only At “Kutcharitaville”!

        ….Thanks,…..Mr. Big Stuff,…..Who Do You Think I Are?….

        ….Most People Call That “Kutchmon” Dude, Some Sort-Of Modern Day “Hemingway”! You Believe That?…..We Did Hear That Instead Of Drinking Mexican Beer That He Enjoys Several “Kutcharitas” Named In His Honor Over At His Favorite Watering Hole “Kutcharitaville”, Also Named In His Honor!….”WOW” What A Guy!….

        Reply
      10. Avatar
        Autumn Harmon on April 20, 2014 6:51 pm

        I did not know how much Franklin did achieve. This man has been very beneficially to this world.

        Reply
      11. Avatar
        Madison Wright on April 23, 2014 6:05 pm

        Benjamin Franklin was an amazing man. Back in those days, you could be an engineer, farmer etc. There were not limited fields. I love this article.

        Reply
      12. Avatar
        Hannah Brewer on April 29, 2014 11:27 am

        Benjamin Franklin made wonderful contributions to many things. Glad this article exemplifies them!

        Reply
      13. Avatar
        Sadie Zegarac on May 1, 2014 12:20 am

        Ben Franklin is wonderful to study and seems like he has the right ideas about most of the things he studies. He appears to have been a very well rounded individual.

        Reply
      14. Avatar
        nhs dental treatment on August 13, 2014 11:33 am

        I’m not that much of a online reader too be honest bbut your
        blogvs really nice, kerp it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site
        to come back down the road. Cheers

        Reply
      15. Avatar
        Evin R on September 14, 2014 2:11 pm

        Of all his inventions, a circulated public library is still the best.

        Reply
      16. Avatar
        Aaron C. on September 16, 2014 2:12 pm

        it is crazy how Ben Franklin did so many things in his life. The world may be a completely different place if it wasn’t for his creations and ideas.

        Reply
      17. Avatar
        Mike Rinicella on February 2, 2015 1:36 pm

        Ben Franklin was a very intelligent man with all of his inventions he created. Without him, maybe those inventions would’ve never existed.

        Reply
      18. Avatar
        Matt Chojnacki on February 2, 2015 5:39 pm

        Ben Franklin was truly a renaissance man! He did everything, except keep his ideas of what it meant to be a good man in his writings, that being faithful to one’s partner

        Reply
      19. Avatar
        Alec Kopsick on February 2, 2015 7:27 pm

        I had no idea Ben Franklin was involved in that many things.

        Reply
      20. Avatar
        Alex Guthrie on February 2, 2015 7:38 pm

        Maybe his slaves game him some ideas? You never know.

        Reply
      21. Avatar
        Patrick Roder on February 2, 2015 9:41 pm

        I am surprised he studied such different topics, instead of being an expert in one field.

        Reply
      22. Avatar
        David Purcel on February 2, 2015 9:53 pm

        Ben Franklin definitely earned having his face on the $100 bill. What a guy.

        Reply
      23. Avatar
        MS on February 2, 2015 10:36 pm

        I read that Ben loved fart jokes.

        Reply
      24. Avatar
        NS on February 2, 2015 11:41 pm

        It is interesting to see the influence one person can have on a whole country. You still hear Ben Franklin’s name come up when people talk about all of the different things he was involved in and how these things have evolved into a modern United States. Very interesting man to say the least!

        Reply
      25. Avatar
        Tom Kubrak on February 3, 2015 2:10 am

        I found this article interesting because wr now have our own “most interesting man in the world” in the present day. From having all the women after him, helping draft The Declaration of Independence, and inventing many practical inventions, Franklin’s life was quite productive and luxurious.

        Reply
      26. Avatar
        K.B. on February 3, 2015 8:49 am

        Franklin owned slaves yet campaigned to free them? Sounds a bit contradictory to me.

        Reply
      27. Avatar
        Ben Nevers on February 3, 2015 9:54 am

        I always wondered why he was chosen for the 100 dollar bill. I now see why! Even more accomplishments than I thought.

        Reply
      28. Avatar
        A.T on February 6, 2015 2:22 pm

        More praise for an old white slave owning man.

        Reply
      29. Avatar
        Easterling on February 6, 2015 9:45 pm

        Interesting to find out how many different things he was involved in..

        Reply
      30. Avatar
        Rhonda Donda on February 7, 2015 12:00 pm

        I didn’t know many of those things about him. Interesting.

        Reply
      31. Avatar
        J.B. on February 7, 2015 3:48 pm

        Very interesting to read about all of his accomplishments.

        Reply
      32. Avatar
        gsack89 on February 8, 2015 12:34 pm

        I did not know all of that about him. I thought the article was very interesting.

        Reply
      33. Avatar
        cw on February 8, 2015 2:41 pm

        I had no clue that franklin had achieved so much in his life time. He was definitely an innovator

        Reply
      34. Avatar
        DAVID WARDLE on February 8, 2015 5:55 pm

        What an amazing man… I never knew he had accomplished so many things in his life! — DAVID WARDLE

        Reply
      35. Avatar
        tevin k on February 8, 2015 6:05 pm

        Very interesting, I didn’t know he did a few of those things! he truly was great clever.

        Reply
      36. Avatar
        Michael Conn on February 8, 2015 11:40 pm

        He definitely had an incredible life. So many inventions, science experiments. Really interesting man.

        Reply
      37. Avatar
        Heather H on February 9, 2015 4:34 pm

        i would definitely give him the very same title

        Reply
      38. Avatar
        w.y. on February 10, 2015 10:16 am

        Tons of praise to this guy. A man of many talents to say the least!!!

        Reply
      39. Avatar
        James T. on February 20, 2015 4:43 pm

        I say he deserves all the praise that he gets, considering how much he contributed to society.

        Reply
      40. Avatar
        Corey McComas on February 23, 2015 8:19 pm

        I did not know a lot of the things mentioned in this article, so I definitely feel as if he was an amazing man and political figure!

        Reply
      41. Avatar
        Alec Ciferno on March 2, 2015 8:14 pm

        B. Franklin: Intellectual Jack of all Trades

        Reply
      42. Avatar
        Alex Arendec on April 27, 2015 3:18 pm

        Ben Franklin is in my opinion one of the most interesting men in the world. Not only due to his many accomplishments that are outlined in this article, but for a more important reason. How would Nicholas Cage read the back of the Declaration of Independence in National Treasure if Ben Franklin never invented bifocals? That is why we NEED to realize Ben Franklin is utterly important to history both at a national and international level.

        Reply
      43. Avatar
        Emily Danzig on July 20, 2015 2:59 pm

        Wow, I’ve always wondered why he was on the $100 bill! He definitely deserves it. He has really such an interesting guy…I had no idea that he achieved this much!!

        Reply
        • Avatar
          Dana Janeda on July 21, 2015 9:40 am

          I agree that Ben Franklin achieved a lot in his lifetime and deserves to be on the $100 bill; however, I think it would be a huge step for the United States if a woman would appear on their currency. There are at least 10 other countries that already do so, and I believe that it is beyond time for the U.S.

          Reply
      44. Avatar
        Stephen Ciocca on July 20, 2015 6:23 pm

        I had no idea how many things Ben Franklin accomplished in his life time, the fact that one person could do so much is really remarkable!

        Reply
      45. Avatar
        Martha Bill on July 20, 2015 10:12 pm

        I think I knew that Ben Franklin owned slaves; however, it is very admirable that he saw and believed that what he was doing was wrong and was outspoken about the other side. That is so admirable as well as his position on freedom of religion. If Franklin was truly an atheist, then the same idea could be applied as he also fought for freedom of religion. We do not see this much anymore but, he clearly put his personal feelings aside and advocated for what he truly thought was best for this country. If that does not earn you a spot on the $100 bill, I don’t know what does.

        Reply
      46. Avatar
        BB on July 21, 2015 11:22 am

        This is a very interesting article that posts Benjamin Franklin in a different light. Most of the time you just hear about a few of the mentioned accomplishments, but it was very interesting to find out that he studied ocean currents, the nature of light, and more. The pros and cons list was also an interesting fact that I believe most people did not know the origin of. Overall a great quick read and provided some information that I have never known before even doing reports about Benjamin Franklin.

        Reply
      47. Avatar
        Billy White on July 21, 2015 4:12 pm

        I think Dos Equis needs a new face for their commercials! What an accomplished guy!

        Reply
        • Avatar
          Cooper Oexle on July 21, 2015 6:30 pm

          That’s pretty funny. With all Ben Franklin accomplished, he truly was the most interesting man in the world at his time.

          Reply
      48. Avatar
        Cooper Oexle on July 21, 2015 6:38 pm

        After reading this article it makes perfect sense why Ben Franklin is on the $100 bill, because he deserves it! He accomplished so much in his life and I wonder how different America would be today without him. Franklin was ahead of his time and his most profound inventions/ideas are still around today. With how far and how quick technology has advanced, in today’s age it is quite an accomplishment to have.

        Reply
      49. Avatar
        Amanda McCay on July 21, 2015 9:52 pm

        I had no idea that Ben Franklin invented the process of the pros and cons list. I use this method to make decisions in my life all the time. It seems like Franklin had knowledge in almost every subject and use his knowledge to help others.

        Reply
      50. Avatar
        A.P. on July 22, 2015 1:07 pm

        The United States definitely benefited from the contributions of Benjamin Franklin. From this article, Franklin seemed to be a forward thinker for societal betterment with the formation of the society fighting for African American rights and well as freedom of religion. Nevertheless, I’m sure with all of his political influence and social pull, Franklin was not one to cross back in the day.

        Reply
      51. Avatar
        Kevin Petnuch on July 24, 2015 11:41 am

        Definitely someone who changed the world or at least america in an extremely positive way. Very influential and reputable person. I am interested to know what he thought about the constitution if he was an atheist though. This nation was created under one God after all so did he secretly not in agree with it the founding of this nation?

        Reply
      52. Avatar
        Matthew Grabowski on August 1, 2015 11:04 am

        Who would have thought the first public circulating library started with Benjamin Franklin? It’s always cool to learn about the roots of something we overlook on a daily basis.

        Reply
      53. Avatar
        Holly Damron on September 16, 2015 2:36 pm

        I found it to be very interesting that one man, who is known for a few of his major accomplishments, was noted in history for much more than many know of him such as, being an atheist, yet advocate for religious freedom, slaveholder who freed his slaves and one who studied various topics.
        HD

        Reply
      54. Avatar
        Nathan on September 22, 2015 11:11 am

        It seems like Benjamin Franklin had a hand in every aspect of America when we were just starting up. I wonder how he had so much time to do all of these things. He was definitely a busy guy!

        N.W.

        Reply
      55. Avatar
        Alexandria McDole on September 22, 2015 7:21 pm

        Other than knowing Franklin from the Independence of Declaration and the Constitution, I did not know anything else that was in this article. I think this was a interesting and cool article to read. Also I did not know why he was on the 100 dollar bill, so that was cool as well.

        AM

        Reply
      56. Avatar
        OC on September 25, 2015 5:43 pm

        Before reading this article, I knew of Benjamin Franklin, but not very much. It is interesting that Benjamin Franklin has done quite a bit more in history than people realize. I mean to be honest I knew he helped with the Constitution, and Declaration of Independence, but I seriously had no idea he owned slaves. I did not have a clue that he was a general, this article was really interesting to read.

        Reply
      57. Avatar
        CNC on September 26, 2015 10:51 am

        In my opinion Franklin is probably the most accomplished man in history or modern times. No wonder he’s on the $100 bill. And that picture at the beginning of the article is pretty sweet too.

        Reply
      58. Avatar
        Rachel B on September 29, 2015 11:08 am

        I never knew he invented and accomplished so many things. I always knew him as the guy who invented electricity, but now I know he did way more. He was a very successful man.

        Reply
      59. Avatar
        Grace W on October 5, 2015 11:41 am

        He certainly accomplished much with his life. GW

        Reply
      60. Avatar
        katrina studer on October 12, 2015 9:40 pm

        God bless Ben Franklin. He seems like a pretty cool guy, he accomplished so much in his life- kudos to him.

        Reply
      61. Avatar
        Alexandra Bull on October 14, 2015 7:59 pm

        I was not aware of all the accomplishments that Franklin had achieved. Incredible! He was extremely influential and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him!

        Reply
      62. Avatar
        Jenna Risacher on November 15, 2015 1:50 pm

        I never knew all that Ben Franklin accomplished. I think the coolest thing was creating the first country’s newspaper.

        Reply
      63. Avatar
        Erica Wheaton on November 22, 2015 5:02 pm

        the fact that Franklin was a huge contributor to todays society means to me that he was one of the greatest men to live. I also didn’t know that he had so many accomplishments I knew about some but not all.

        Reply
      64. Avatar
        Ellyn Kilpatrick on November 28, 2015 9:11 am

        A true renaissance man, Franklin really did step out of his comfort zone to accomplish so much.

        Reply
      65. Avatar
        Kyle Puhl on November 30, 2015 1:08 pm

        I did not know all of the accomplishments that Ben Franklin had completed. It makes sense why he is on the $100 bill

        Reply
      66. Avatar
        Madison Galloway on November 30, 2015 8:20 pm

        Benjamin Franklin was a name that you learned so early in elementary school, but you never could appreciate his accomplishments at such a young age. It is always interesting to read about him and everything he achieved now and recognize how phenomenal he was and all of the great, intelligent things that he did with his life.

        Reply
      67. Avatar
        Tessa Baker on December 2, 2015 2:48 pm

        He was definitely an accomplished man!

        Reply
      68. Avatar
        Jacob Pflugfelder on December 3, 2015 8:17 pm

        Ben Franklin is a lot more intellectual than I expected and also very surprising for that late in history. Love the first picture,

        Reply
      69. Avatar
        Parker Stricklen on December 3, 2015 11:16 pm

        Ben Franklin was quite the man and was truly one of the first abolitionists. Big respect to him! A man of many talents.

        Reply
      70. Avatar
        Brittani Briner on December 7, 2015 12:18 pm

        Ben must have been a busy man. I had no idea he started the first post office. If not for him, maybe we would still be sending letters by carrier pigeon.

        Reply
      71. Avatar
        lukas Biglin on December 7, 2015 5:32 pm

        he accomplished an incredible amount of feats and earned his place on the 100$ bill

        Reply
      72. Avatar
        Anna Ingles on December 8, 2015 1:42 am

        Wow, what couldn’t this man do? I wonder why he never wanted to run for President. He was an incredible man and America was fortunate to have him as a key individual in our gain of independence.

        Reply
      73. Avatar
        Ashley Perry on December 9, 2015 3:15 pm

        He was a very accomplished man. I didn’t know that he first founded the post office.

        Reply
      74. Avatar
        Scott Saner on December 12, 2015 1:47 pm

        I didn’t know Ben Franklin was so cool. I can’t imagine what America would be like today without his inventions.

        Reply
      75. Avatar
        Derek Reynolds on December 14, 2015 11:01 am

        He was a very accomplished man

        Reply
      76. Avatar
        Colin Williams on December 14, 2015 2:26 pm

        It’s amazing that Ben Franklin started the nation’s first independent
        newspaper when he was only 15 years old.

        Reply
      77. Avatar
        Jacqueline Carriger on December 14, 2015 3:44 pm

        He has a lot more accomplishments than I realized. I think my favorite is funding the library.

        Reply
      78. Avatar
        Brendan E. on December 14, 2015 10:23 pm

        Franklin is truly one of the most well rounded and accomplished men in America’s history. It’s crazy to think he was that young of an age when he created the first independent newspaper in America. Many other historical accomplishments as well.

        Reply
      79. Avatar
        JEL on January 29, 2016 3:04 pm

        Proof that even during the founding of our nation you can see the seeds for the civil war being planted

        Reply
      80. Avatar
        IT on February 3, 2016 12:11 pm

        Ben Franklin was a very smart man. What I learned about if what he did when he was not in public shocked me, who would of guess a nerd like Franklin would be so outgoing.

        Reply
      81. Avatar
        ryan C on February 15, 2016 12:38 pm

        I give Ben Franklin a lot of credit. He did a lot of our country. He in my opipion is one of the best presidents ever. All the way from him being the picture on the 100 dollar bill to the declaration of Independence.

        Reply
      82. Avatar
        kk on February 17, 2016 4:35 pm

        Wow that is amazing. That would be something to do all those things. A lot of people would really look up to a person like him.

        Reply
      83. Avatar
        SW on February 22, 2016 8:16 pm

        I had no idea that Benjamin Franklin was responsible for so many great inventions! I honestly can’t imagine him being a ladies man though…

        Reply
      84. Avatar
        Brianna V on March 28, 2016 1:11 am

        Benjamin Franklin was such a well-rounded man and I love to learn about all that he has done.

        Reply
      85. Avatar
        Loren deck on April 15, 2016 11:59 am

        Ben franklin was exceptionally smart i feel most people dont really know most of his accomplishments but still realize how intelligent he was

        Reply
      86. Avatar
        DW on April 26, 2016 9:35 pm

        GOAT

        Reply
      87. Avatar
        Kamarin R on April 30, 2016 3:03 pm

        It’s fascinating that one man was responsible for so many developments in the world.

        Reply
      88. Avatar
        aaron s on May 3, 2016 9:47 pm

        Ben franklin contributed so much to our country

        Reply
      89. Avatar
        DC on May 4, 2016 9:22 pm

        Ben Franklin did way more then I ever thought he did. I guess you could say he was a man of many talents.

        Reply
      90. Avatar
        Alex Hewitt on May 5, 2016 9:49 pm

        Benjamin Franklin did a lot of great things for the human race. He contributed so much

        Reply
      91. Avatar
        Andy frick on May 7, 2016 10:15 pm

        We owe so much to Franklin for his contributions.

        Reply
      92. Avatar
        APG on May 9, 2016 2:52 pm

        Ben Franklin really sparked an evolution of technology and was very galvanizing with his support of freedom of religion and abolition of slavery.

        Reply
      93. Avatar
        Matt Smail on May 9, 2016 10:42 pm

        Ben Franklin has done so much for us, to put himself on the $100 bill shows a testament to what a man he was.

        Reply
      94. Avatar
        Dakota A rinier on May 10, 2016 12:00 am

        Ben Franklin did some amazing things however ill never understand why people think he was president

        Reply
      95. Avatar
        ac on May 10, 2016 8:17 pm

        Ben Franklin was a very intelligent amazing man.

        Reply
      96. Avatar
        Dana Roman on July 25, 2016 7:52 pm

        Ben Franklin is such an intelligent man who accomplished so much. I was unaware that he had helped with the Declaration of Independence or why his picture was on the 100 dollar bill.

        Reply
      97. Avatar
        Mikayla Hutchings on July 25, 2016 10:54 pm

        I never realized how much Benjamin Franklin has actually done! I am now interested to read more about his life. His talent spectrum is very wide: from writing and public speaking to mastering various sciences.

        Reply
      98. Avatar
        Ellen Liebenguth on July 26, 2016 4:08 pm

        I didn’t know that Ben Franklin was a part of finding of the first abolitionist society in the colonies. Our founding fathers often get criticized for hypocrisy in matter of race, but I think Ben Franklin is a great example that not all our founding fathers believed in it and they actually fought against it. I also hadn’t known he was responsible for public libraries. I work at a library myself and see firsthand how much people rely on them, so its thanks to him that people have access to those resources and the books that they do.

        Reply
      99. Avatar
        Claire Fraser on July 26, 2016 6:46 pm

        I did not know Ben Franklin had accomplished so much in his lifetime. It makes sense though, you would have to have a lot of respected credentials to be asked to aide in the writing of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

        Reply
      100. Avatar
        Frank F. on July 28, 2016 4:33 pm

        Benjamin Franklin is the most famous for inventing/ discovering electricity. This article is showing the absolute full package of Franklin. He is an intelligent human being and as accomplished a laundry list of events and ideas. He has done so much for the United States and the also for the World. The Most Interesting Man in the World Benjamin Franklin is more interesting than the dos equis man for sure,

        Reply
      101. Avatar
        Maria Ndini on July 28, 2016 10:25 pm

        Men like Benjamin Franklin really amaze me and stories like this one are what make me think everything is possible if you try hard enough. From an early age, Franklin, had already accomplished a ton of things in his life, but that did not stop him and he continued achieving more and more throughout is life. Really a man to look up to! I am really intrigued by this article and will definitely look more into Benjamin Franklin’s life.

        Reply
      102. Avatar
        Mike Andelbradt on July 29, 2016 11:44 am

        Ben Franklin was such a brilliant man who was truly ahead of his time. Without forward thinkers such as himself we would never have been able become the America we are today. His social and academic pursuits made him the intellectual so many now respect.

        Reply
      103. Avatar
        Erin Kochan on July 29, 2016 1:21 pm

        I always knew that Franklin helped was a part of the Declaration of Independence process and was responsible for electricity, but I did not know about all of his other accomplishments. He sounds like the man that did it all.

        Reply
      104. Avatar
        Amanda Lopuchovsky on July 29, 2016 1:27 pm

        Franklin was quite the forward thinker. I always associate him with the $100 bill and his experiment with a key and a kite, but the man lived what seems to be five lives in one! It is interesting to think about where America would be today without the discoveries and creations Franklin headed in his day.

        Reply
      105. Avatar
        Christina Hickey on July 29, 2016 2:25 pm

        This man has done a lot. From his first job as a writer at the age of fifteen to being a fighter for religious freedom. Even though he did own slaves, I believe all the good stuff he did out ways owning slaves. That is why he is seen as a great man.

        Reply
      106. Avatar
        Daniel Cora on July 29, 2016 2:35 pm

        You know how when you are younger you want to be a million different things when you grow up? Well, Ben Franklin did that. Truly an innovative, brilliant man who paved the way and invented a lot of things we use today.

        Reply
      107. Avatar
        Nicholas Mog on July 29, 2016 6:13 pm

        I remember doing a book report on Benjamin Franklin when I was younger. He is still as interesting today as he was when I did the book report in fourth grade. This man deserves the title “The Greatest American of All Time”.

        Reply
      108. Avatar
        Joshua Dzurko on July 29, 2016 8:26 pm

        The article is extremely accurate when it says he is one of the greatest Americans of all time. He has done so much to help build this nation from the ground up. Many of his political theories are what we as a nation, and nations around the world, still rely on today. In addition, his acts of science helped improve the lives of so many people around the globe. Such a remarkable man and truly worthy of the title.

        Reply
      109. Avatar
        Alexander Correa on July 30, 2016 9:33 am

        What a life Ben Franklin had, wow. I always knew about the electricity and the Declaration but he did so much more than that, and he clearly should go down as G.O.A.T.

        Reply
      110. Avatar
        Lauren Synek on July 30, 2016 3:48 pm

        Ben Franklin did so much more for the world then I thought he did. At only 15 he founded the first newspaper and that industry has grown so much since then. Although it has been declining recently its just taking on a whole new dynamic.

        Reply
      111. Avatar
        Morgan price on July 30, 2016 4:44 pm

        Benjamin Franklin did invent so many wonderful things and do so much for the United States but he’s also a controversial character. It’s strange that he owned slaves but advocated for abolishing slavery. It’s also interesting that he was most likely an atheist in a time when most everyone was religious.

        Reply
      112. Avatar
        Mark Baniewicz on July 30, 2016 5:36 pm

        I could not agree more with this article. Not enough credit is given to Ben Franklin for his impact on modernizing the way society functions on a day-to-day basis. His intelligence was only out-shadowed by his willingness to make a difference in the world. He more than deserves to be on the $100 bill!

        Reply
      113. Avatar
        Matt Grazia on July 30, 2016 5:43 pm

        Ben Franklin was an amazingly smart man that did so much for our world. He deserves all the credit in the world for the impact he had on society. I was unaware that at only the age of 15 he founded the first newspaper! What a cool guy, and interesting person to study!

        Reply
      114. Avatar
        Hannah Grazia on July 30, 2016 6:13 pm

        Benjamin Franklin was one amazing and intelligent man. We do not give him enough credit for all of the accomplishment he had made for us. One thing I found interesting about him was that he was found to be an atheist himself but was a huge advocate for religious freedom. He had well earned his spot on the $100 bill.

        Reply
      115. Avatar
        Brandon Simpson on August 2, 2016 8:10 pm

        He forsure deserves his spot on the 100 bill, very intelligent man. Who knew more than probably some small community today. Very impressive accomplishments.

        Reply
      116. Avatar
        Sarah on August 3, 2016 1:39 pm

        I really never knew how involved Franklin actually was with his inventions and literally everything else.. very accomplished historical man!

        Reply
      117. Avatar
        Peyton Elliott on August 5, 2016 12:37 pm

        Wow. I didn’t realized the amount of work Ben Franklin made and put into the society during his time period. That man had to be on his feet 24/7 to accomplish all those acts.

        Reply
      118. Avatar
        joe leary on August 6, 2016 10:41 pm

        It would be interesting to see how Franklin was in the flesh. I guess we have to wait until time travel is invented.

        Reply
      119. Avatar
        Nikos Nacopoulos on August 7, 2016 1:27 pm

        I knew about some of his accolades but not all of these! I wonder how he had so much time to do all the things that he did: It helps that he started early!

        Reply
      120. Avatar
        Matt E. on August 8, 2016 7:23 pm

        Franklin was a man of many interests. Of all the titles he possessed, I think that “founding father” is the most prestigious of them all.

        Reply
      121. Avatar
        Rachel Brown on September 26, 2016 1:24 pm

        I can’t believe he founded the country’s first independent newspaper at only 15. Now, he’s considered “The Most Interesting Man in the World.”

        Reply
      122. Avatar
        Nicholas Hillyer on September 26, 2016 8:31 pm

        If you really look back at all his accomplishments and how far ahead of his time he was and how he even to this day he is still a household name across many parts of the world I don’t think its crazy to refer to him as this at all.

        Reply
      123. Avatar
        Maxwell McCullough on October 6, 2016 11:56 am

        I had heard about the many really cool things he did, but this truly amazing!

        Reply
      124. Avatar
        Jessica May on November 7, 2016 7:34 pm

        I wonder if his “illegitimate children” were smart too

        Reply
      125. Avatar
        Matthew Weller on November 12, 2016 11:50 am

        Franklin must be one of the most important people in American history. He deserves to have his face on the $100 dollar bill.

        Reply
      126. Avatar
        Montel Lollis on November 16, 2016 9:38 am

        Great guy, yes. WIsh to know ben personally , closes ive ever got to him is a100bill$ So were pretty close. I have misch respect for him.

        Reply
      127. Avatar
        Suzie M. Shaffer on November 29, 2016 8:22 pm

        After naming the countless achievements that Franklin had its followed by the fact that he owned sloaves. Back in this time period everyone that could owe slaves took the opportunity to do so and bought one. I dont agree that this was added into the paper about how awesome of a man he was.

        Reply
      128. Avatar
        Courtney G on November 30, 2016 6:41 pm

        With all of his accomplishments it’s no wonder he was chosen to be the face on the $100!

        Reply
      129. Avatar
        misty w. on December 3, 2016 1:37 pm

        He is a man of many great talents no wonder he is considered the most interesting man of the world

        Reply
      130. Avatar
        Mackenzie H on February 8, 2017 7:39 pm

        I didn’t know Franklin worked as a young man as a printer?? Thats pretty interesting. And I didn’t know he was known as inventing the United States.

        Reply
      131. Avatar
        Michael Tovissi on February 11, 2017 2:20 am

        I can see why Benjamin Franklin was put on the 100 dollar bill. It’s incredible how much he has done in his life.

        Reply
      132. Avatar
        Payton Brown on March 1, 2017 7:59 pm

        He was not the same as his fellow founding fathers. He actually wanted freedom for the people, including slaves. Besides the fact that his intelligence seems far ahead of his time, he seemed to be a genuinely good person.

        Reply
      133. Avatar
        Amanda Miller on March 19, 2017 5:24 pm

        It’s interesting to hear all the things Ben Franklin created and that we still use today, which have been improved overtime.

        Reply
      134. Avatar
        MIA on April 6, 2017 9:02 pm

        I didn’t know Benjamin Franklin was known for inventing the United States.

        Reply
      135. Avatar
        Holly on August 11, 2017 4:42 pm

        Benjamin Franklin certainly was a man of may talents. How interesting that he was responsible for the first fire department! I will always remember him as a great Founding Father who was the main writer of the Constitution of the United States. I also remember Franklin by the quote “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately”.

        Reply
      136. Avatar
        J.K. on September 17, 2017 4:11 pm

        I had no idea he was so heavily involved with the U.S. post office, he is a very fascinating man.

        Reply
      137. Avatar
        Jarrett M on September 21, 2017 10:40 pm

        In all honesty what had this man not done? I mean the list goes on and on. I didn’t notice though the mention of him also being the ambassador to France from America

        Reply
      138. Avatar
        Madison Tietz on September 24, 2017 9:20 am

        Love that he freed his slaves then campaigned for abolitionism of slavery! Also he seemed like a tolerant man.

        Reply
      139. Avatar
        Ian Helwagen on September 24, 2017 9:35 pm

        Interesting to learn more about Benjamin

        Reply
      140. Avatar
        Alex Leighton on September 25, 2017 2:42 pm

        I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be a person in the beginning years of our nation that had so much going for him and helped with the start of our nation. It’s incredible what all he did.

        Reply
      141. Avatar
        Leslie U on September 26, 2017 12:14 am

        Ben Franklin did so much definitely deserves recognition for his accomplishments, especially credited to inventing the United States.

        Reply
      142. Avatar
        Olivia Easterday on September 26, 2017 4:28 pm

        Not many people think of Benjamin Franklin as an inventor. For some reason people confuse him as being one of the past presidents.

        Reply
      143. Avatar
        Kainoa on September 26, 2017 8:59 pm

        if he is themes interesting man in the world my is he not the face of that beer.

        Reply
      144. Avatar
        Grace D on October 3, 2017 12:44 am

        wow i never actually knew this about Franklin, he deserves to be on the most important bill, $100

        Reply

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