Industry, Perseverance, and Frugality

Benjamin Franklin is the quintessential American. Hardworking, light-hearted, and rational. His writings paint a very clear picture of the type of person he was and can serve as a north star for anyone who is looking to improve their life. 3 of the characteristics that made Franklin one of the most famous Americans are Industry, Perseverance, and Frugality.

Benjamin Franklin was a busybody. Throughout his writing, he makes it clear on multiple occasions that time is our most precious resource and we should utilize it to the best of our ability. In his life, he created one of America’s first printing and publishing companies, led massive advancements in the field of electricity, invented bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the lightning rod, was a well-respected writer, was one of Revolutionary America’s most important diplomats, created America’s first library system, founded the University of Pennsylvania, and somehow ended up with his face on the $100 bill. It would be difficult to find someone who has done more in their life than Benjamin Franklin.

It would be amiss to believe that Franklin accomplished all of this without his fair share of setbacks. Anything worthwhile will have challenges. Franklin approached setbacks and failures optimistically writing "I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” We can all take a lesson from this. A failure is only a failure when you decide that it is. The will to press on is what separates the winners from the rest of the pack.

Lastly, frugality. Franklin was not born wealthy. He was born to a relatively normal family. He did not grow up in a palace. He knew the value of a dollar and made sure he did not squander the money he made. In “Poor Richard’s Almanac” there are many passages that touch on frugality, such as “get what you can, and what you get hold”, “a small leak will sink a great ship”, and many more.

So, what do you get when you combine industry, perseverance, and frugality? Success. Franklin practiced what he preached and things turned out quite well for him. He cemented himself in our history and left the world a better place than he found it. Franklin’s writings have been some of the most personally impactful writings I have ever come across, and many people I respect share that belief.

Work hard, don’t give up, and save your money.