At Yankee this past year we have been talking about four values: integrity, relationships, competence and entrepreneurship. One of my heroes who exemplifies these values is Benjamin Franklin.Integrity: Franklin developed a list of 13 virtues to live by, several of which are related to integrity.
Relationships: Several of the 13 virtues speak to the art of good relationships. Franklin was a master diplomat, securing the assistance of France in the American Revolution.
Competence: Benjamin Franklin was accomplished in many fields. From Wikipedia: "Franklin was a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat."
Many of the Founding Fathers were exemplars of these three values. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, in particular, come to mind. But perhaps alone among the Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin was also a successful entrepreneur. He was innovative—inventing the lightning rod, bifocals and the Franklin stove. He was a successful author, printer and merchant. It is ironic that Poor Richard's Almanack helped make him wealthy. He founded a mutual insurance company which is still in existence today.
I hope that Benjamin Franklin's portrait on the $100 bill reminds you of these qualities about him, and especially his entrepreneurship!
