Benjamin Franklin — scientist and publicist of the Enlightenment

The article is devoted to the brightest representative of the Enlightenment era, Benjamin Franklin, who was not only a scientist and inventor, but also a publicist, writer and politician. Having founded the “Аlmanac of Poor Richard” in 1732 during the colonial period of America, B. Franklin published articles, short stories, proverbs, and sayings in which he taught the first settlers wisdom, thrift, sincerity, and diligence. The values that Benjamin Franklin valued are universal: moderation, reticence, determination, chastity, humility, activity. The almanac was published in thirteen colonies. B. Franklin wrote under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders" or poor Richard. Many farmers used almanacs as a guide to growing crops, as Benjamin published weather forecasts. Proverbs and sayings from Franklin's almanacs are relevant today. His aphorisms, humor, and catchy expressions became recognizable. They became the basis of American folklore. Many proverbs were associated with the everyday life of ordinary Americans, relationships with neighbors, problems in upbringing children. B. Franklin paid great attention to his self-improvement and taught the first settlers of America to explore their inner world and cultivate virtues. B. Franklin's rules on the organization of the workplace and daily routine can be an example to follow at the present time. B. Franklin was interested in science, and he was especially interested in electricity. He founded America's first public library and the University of Pennsylvania. B. Franklin is the first American to become an elected member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.