America's Favorite Uncle
Jul 10, 2012
From Legacy Moment (07/06/2012).
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He’s been referred to as a Founding Father, yet most Americans view him with the warmth of a favorite uncle, the wit of a fishing buddy and the creative drive of a Steve Jobs. From eighth grade history, we know that Benjamin Franklin was an inventor, author, statesman, scientist and a framer of our Constitution. As you read his list of accomplishments—and it’s a long one—what doesn’t immediately come to mind is how much never would have existed without his genius.
Each endeavor begins in the mind of a single individual. As the entrepreneur might attest, business is founded on a great idea and then executed with the assistance of many. Most businesses fail and, though the reasons for failure are many and the rationales for success few, can you imagine building a nation from scratch? Franklin and our Founding Fathers didn’t have an example to follow, didn’t have a mentor to confide in and didn’t have the wisdom of past experience.
We live in a country that encourages and even celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit. This nation is an exemplar of what is possible when a single idea catches fire and attracts the energy of a willing group of supporters. Great things happen when determined people focus their attention and combine their capabilities to achieve a common goal. America is the result of self-determination. Americans are the standard-bearers of the torch of leadership. We have an inherent responsibility to lead the world and create a better tomorrow.
Happy Birthday, America. Thank you, Mr. Franklin.
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