Benjamin Franklin

Johnny Birdsong
Jan 23
6 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.”

- Benjamin Franklin

Let’s celebrate new beginnings and reflect on the past.

Did you know there was almost a state named Franklin right beside North Carolina? The State of Franklin was carved from land claimed by the Cherokee and North Carolina in what is now eastern Tennessee. When settlers formed their own government and chose their own leaders, they sparked fierce resistance. In essence, while the founders of the State of Franklin tried to leverage Benjamin Franklin's fame for their cause, he remained largely neutral, and the state ultimately failed to gain federal recognition. However, many cities and towns are named after the great Ben Franklin. Estimates ranging from around thirty-two to thirty-five cities and towns makes it one of America's most common place names, so named for Benjamin Franklin, for his vital role as a Founding Father. Obviously, the greatest such town, to me, is Franklin, Tennessee.

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250^th anniversary (semiquincentennial), marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. We all have many reasons to celebrate. Sure, we know Ben Franklin is our honored, amazing town’s namesake, and he is on the $100 bill and numerous stamps. In addition, there is the famous “kite flying” experiment, proving lightning is electricity; Franklin laid out the earliest known description of the “Pros & Cons” list, and with his vast wisdom, he gave us endless quotes to live by. He has been called the First American; the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the U.S. Constitution.

As we kick off 2026’s celebrations of the greatness of America, we sat down for a conversation this issue with this great statesman, inventor, and in general, exemplary patriot – without further ado: Our “SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN IS” – Mr. Ben Franklin.

How does it feel to have Franklin, Tennessee, named after you?

I am honored to have a town bear my name; using my name to foster industry, learning, good cheer; and I am especially proud of the civic virtue, industry, and the importance of public spirit there is here. I hope my humble efforts in science, diplomacy, and plain living have inspired some small measure of good, and that this town carries that spirit forward. May this settlement continue to flourish and always find reasons for honest merriment and fellowship.

What does be a Southern Gentleman mean to you, both personally and professionally?

True gentlemanly character comes from diligent, virtuous, and humble conduct that benefits oneself and others. "A ploughman on his legs is higher than a gentleman on his knees," meaning honest work surpasses idle aristocracy. In both personal and professional matters, it is a grand mistake to think of being great without goodness, and I pronounce it as certain that there was never a truly great man that was not at the same time truly virtuous.

How do you incorporate these qualities in your everyday life?

I sought to cultivate my character by a plan of Thirteen Virtues, which I began at age twenty and have continued to practice daily ever since. Here are my Thirteen Virtues: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.

I did not try to work on them all at once. Instead, I worked on only one each week, "leaving all others to their ordinary chance." I have never adhered completely to them all and fallen short many times. I do believe the attempt has made me a better man. I hope other Gentlemen will follow the example and reap the benefit.

Tell us a little bit about you and your beginnings?

I was born January 17, 1706 in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, a colony in New England, which became one of the thirteen original states of the United States. My father was a soap and candle maker. I was one of fifteen children and the youngest of ten boys. My father wanted me to go to school, but could only afford two years, so at age ten, I went to work for my father. At age twelve, I became an apprentice for my brother James, who was a printer, and he taught me the trade. I have been called an American polymath: a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and philosopher. But I am first and foremost a "Printer" in the highest regard. I sign most documents simply as "B. Franklin, Printer." I view printing as a vital tool for public discourse and intellectual growth. At age twenty-three, I began publishing the Pennsylvania Gazette in Philadelphia.

What advice would you give today’s younger generation to help them reach their potential and be the best they can be, in life and in business?

Oh, I have many. “If you are looking for a man who can change your life, look for him in front of the mirror; It takes many good deeds to build a reputation and it only takes one bad one to lose it; Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame; A calm mind is essential for success; Well done is better than well said; What you seem to be, be really; never ruin an apology with an excuse; Whew! Need I go on?

What would you tell a business owner, small or large, are the top things to help their business be successful?

Embrace industry and frugality, work diligently, avoid waste of time and money; be honest and build a good reputation, manage affairs personally, and always focus on customer service with patience and integrity.
Value work ethic. Be industrious, "Plough deep while sluggards sleep," and avoid idleness; your presence in your business is vital.
Maintain your integrity and reputation: Be honest, don't deceive; a fair character is your best credit and leads to lasting trade.
Have perseverance: Expect hardship (No gains without pains) and have the staying power to overcome it.
In essence, a foundation of hard work, ethical dealings, and smart management are the true path to wealth and success, not luck.

What is one thing you don’t go a day without?

I do not go a day without planning my day and examining my progress, a core part of my disciplined routine to achieve "moral perfection." I structure my day around two questions and six-time blocks. The questions: Morning - what good shall I do this day? Evening: What good have I done this day?

What are your hobbies, activities and favorite pastimes?

I have many. Swimming being one. I invented swim fins and paddles to make me faster. I love playing musical instruments. I invented the glass harmonica, and I also play the violin and harp. I enjoy chess, reading, writing, tinkering with inventions like “Bifocals” and the “Franklin Stove.” I do enjoy a good “air bath” … if you know, you know. Don’t knock it till you try it, and I LOVE to throw a party. Socializing is a strategic tool for personal success.

Tell us about your philanthropic endeavors and why you feel it is important to give back.

I love to be involved with community groups to do good. When a community “hangs” together, nothing is impossible. I was involved in starting the first fire department, the first library, the first hospital, and the first college. Why, we even started a free country!

You have great community organizations here in Franklin and Williamson County, so I say – get involved. If you don’t see one that piques your interest, gather a group of like-minded well-doers and start your own. YOU can make a difference.

Thank you, Mr. Franklin. Thank you for so many things. I LOVE the quotes. My personal favorite and have used for years is: “ANY MAN GOOD AT MAKING EXCUSES IS NOT MUCH GOOD FOR ANYTHING ELSE.” Yes! It’s a new year – no excuses to not make it the best ever.

What do you want to do this year?

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues

TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
SILENCE. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
ORDER. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
RESOLUTION. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
FRUGALITY. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
INDUSTRY. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
SINCERITY. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
JUSTICE. Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
MODERATION. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
CLEANLINESS. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
TRANQUILLITY. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
CHASTITY. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
HUMILITY. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.