Constructing an Economic Paradigm: Benjamin Franklin’s Rise to Public Fame

Indianapolis, IN

The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin follows one of America's most influential thinkers as he creates his own success. Throughout the entirety of part one, Franklin displays countless examples of personal virtue as well as the progression of his public identity. Most everyone would agree that Franklin's life depicts one of the most successful individuals in American history, attributing the cause of his success to hard work, outstanding moral character, and adequate education. While Franklin's private success is largely attributed to his personal virtue, his story illustrates the strength of the public economic system in the United States in order to provide an image of the American dream based on both private diligence and a public system that rewards hard work. By acknowledging the awareness of one's public image, Frankin uses his life to set an example for economic prosperity.