Benjamin Franklin

Who the Benjamin Franklin type is

People who match the Franklin type tend to see everyday problems as invitations. A drafty room, a slow process or an awkward tool all suggest a clever improvement, and they would rather build the fix than complain about the problem. They also believe a good idea should be shared freely.

This type is sociable and civic-minded. Franklin-style personalities start clubs, introduce friends to each other and organize projects that make a neighborhood better. Their wit is dry and good-natured, and they are often the person who can explain something complicated with a short, memorable saying.

Signature traits

Resourceful

The Franklin type finds practical solutions with whatever is at hand.

Natural connector

People of this type love introducing others and building networks, clubs and communities.

Witty tinkerer

This type pairs hands-on inventiveness with a playful, quotable sense of humor.

What Benjamin Franklin is known for

Colonial America & France, 1706–1790

• Experiments with electricity, including the famous kite experiment
• Inventing the lightning rod, bifocal glasses and the Franklin stove
• Publishing Poor Richard's Almanack, full of witty sayings
• Helping found public institutions such as a lending library and the University of Pennsylvania

Fun facts about Benjamin Franklin

• He invented a musical instrument, the glass armonica, and Mozart later composed music for it.
• As a boy he made wooden swim fins for his hands, and he is in the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
• He chose not to patent his inventions, preferring that people use them freely.
• His portrait appears on the US 100-dollar bill.