10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Ben Franklin

Introduction

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a statesman, diplomat, scientist, inventor, writer, printer, and more. He played an important role in the American Revolution and signed both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. He was also the first United States Ambassador to France. Although we all know him for his famous kite experiment, there’s a lot more to this historical figure. In this article, we’ve compiled ten fascinating facts that you didn’t know about Ben Franklin.

1. Franklin Was A Great Swimmer

Ben Franklin was a great swimmer and credited his abilities to swimming in his youth. He even swam from Chelsea to Blackfriars (about 3.5 miles) to win a bet. He also created swim fins and advocated for swimming as a way to stay healthy.

2. Franklin Was A Vegetarian

Ben Franklin was a vegetarian for most of his life, although he occasionally ate fish. He believed that a vegetarian diet was healthier and cheaper. He even wrote an essay titled “The Morals of Chess” that included a section on the benefits of vegetarianism.

3. Franklin Was One Of The First American Abolitionists

Ben Franklin was one of the first American abolitionists and he owned two slaves earlier in his life before becoming an abolitionist. In 1787, he was the president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery.

4. Franklin Was A Dog Lover

Ben Franklin was a dog lover and owned several dogs throughout his life. He even wrote an epitaph for his dog, “Here lies Tist, he was a faithful dog.”

5. Franklin Invented Many Things

Ben Franklin was a prolific inventor and inventor of many things including bifocals, the Franklin stove, the lightning rod, the glass armonica, and more. He received patents for several of his inventions and is considered one of the most prominent inventors of his time.

6. Franklin Was A Writer

Ben Franklin was an accomplished writer and publisher. He wrote many essays and articles, including “The Way To Wealth” and “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” He also founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, one of the first public libraries in the United States.

7. Franklin Was A Freemason

Ben Franklin was a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that promotes moral and personal development. He was the Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and wrote several articles advocating for the organization.

8. Franklin Was A Wine Enthusiast

Ben Franklin was a wine enthusiast and imported wine from Europe to the United States. He even wrote poems about wine, such as “The Toast” and “Ode to the Joy of Wine.”

9. Franklin Was An Advocate For Public Safety

Ben Franklin was an advocate for public safety and created the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, one of the first firefighting companies in the United States. He also helped found the Philadelphia Contributionship, one of the first insurance companies in the United States.

10. Franklin Was A Polyglot

Ben Franklin was a polyglot and spoke several languages besides English, including French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. He also learned German and Dutch in his spare time.

Conclusion

These are just ten interesting facts about Benjamin Franklin. He was a man of many talents and achievements. His contributions to American history and science are countless, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of people around the world.

FAQs

1. What is Benjamin Franklin famous for?

Benjamin Franklin is famous for being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, signing both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, and being an accomplished inventor and writer.

2. What did Ben Franklin invent?

Benjamin Franklin invented many things, including bifocals, the Franklin stove, the lightning rod, the glass armonica, and more.

3. Was Ben Franklin a vegetarian?

Yes, Ben Franklin was a vegetarian for most of his life, although he occasionally ate fish.

4. How many languages did Ben Franklin speak?

Ben Franklin spoke several languages besides English, including French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin. He also learned German and Dutch in his spare time.

5. What was Ben Franklin’s most famous experiment?

Ben Franklin’s most famous experiment was the kite experiment, in which he proved that lightning was electricity.