If ever a story embodies what we now call the American dream, it is the life story of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin can be seen as a passionate and energetic man, driven by self-determination and a strong work ethic to improve himself. Beyond his sometimes lofty personal aspirations to improve himself, Franklin's deep conviction inspired him to help others live well. He demonstrated this belief in his reasons for writing, his willingness to describe his mistakes and successes as a means of teaching, his account of helping others, and his desire to create useful solutions. Franklin successfully used his story to describe this self-improvement. Therefore, Franklin's journey from humble beginnings and a lack of education to a wealthy man of immense stature and influence punctuates his emphasis on hard work and determination. Franklin's insatiable thirst for knowledge and his relentless quest to improve himself were at the heart of his character. Every success and achievement only encourages him to achieve more. He said of his writing ability: "I had the chance to improve the method or the language, and this encouraged me to think that perhaps, in time, I could become an English writer." tolerable, of which I was extremely ambitious. » (Franklin, p.15) Indeed, later in his life, Franklin recognized that many of the opportunities afforded to him were brought to him through his ability to write. (Franklin, p. 61) The intention expressed by Franklin at the beginning of his book is to write his personal anecdotes for his son. He mentions that he started out in poverty and obscurity and rose to a place of reputation. He hoped... middle of paper ... on God's assistance in his search for perfection. It must be noted, however, that the nature of man prohibits perfection and any true happiness. It is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and a changed nature that one can embark on a life of true contentment and happiness. After reflection, Franklin realized that he had never achieved the perfection he sought, but that he was better and happier than if he had not attempted. (Franklin, p.84) Hence the reason why he published his project, so that others could benefit as much as he did. It can be concluded that Benjamin Franklin's life had a great impact not only on his generation, but on many generations that would follow. His intellectual curiosity, ingenuity and desire to do good propelled him on a lifelong quest to improve himself and serve as a role model so others could benefit...