I'm amazed that high schools don't(or at least in my case didn't) require English students to read the autobiography and other writings by the great American forefather Benjamin Franklin. Franklin's writings weren't introduced to me until my first or second year of college and I instantly became a fan of his writing, personality and life. At first I thought I may have simply neglected English classes in high school but through the years in conversation almost no one has read it. Who else can we put in a room with the accomplishments of Franklin? Why don't we require our young people to read writings from probably the most broadly accomplished American to ever live? In writing this I'll talk a bit about why people should learn about Benjamin Franklin.

What makes Franklin's writings so important.

First and foremost they're not just the story of his life, they're his writings. Benjamin Franklin was one of the most enlightened thinkers of his time and largely responsible for us having the freedoms of today. A writer, soldier, politician, diplomat and scientist whose lifetime accomplishments can be matched by few other US citizens to date. This man literally did it all and then wrote it down for all of us to see. His life is an example that if followed by all US citizens would produce a power that would likely never fall.

Benjamin Franklin lived the American dream.

Benjamin Franklin wasn't born poor but was early in life committed by his family to work in a career of mediocre service under his brother. He decided instead to move away and strike out on his own to build a better life for himself. Through hard work, integrity, good sense and a great work ethic Benjamin Franklin built his reputation. He found himself in the center of designing American society as a diplomat for America and a primary architect in the Declaration of Independence. Ben literally went from nothing to a national hero through the course of his life.