These days, I am rereading the book “Benjamin Franklin: An American life” by Walter Issacson. The witty Ben Franklin is a typical example who was born in humble but achieved greatness. Although Benjamin Franklin engraved himself as “a printer”, he was not only a successful businessman who retired at the age of forty-two, a success envied even by most people today, but also one of the most important figures in the American history—a deft diplomat, a great scientist, and an earnest patriot.

However, Benjamin’s human side is probably more inspiring than his great achievement. He had the same weakness we often find in ourselves; but he also possessed all merits we look up to. His intriguing characteristics serve as a mirror—everybody can find himself through it.Most importantly, his way to success is a practical and exemplary road for all humble people.

Probably the most admiring characteristic of Benjamin was his diligence. Born in humble, he had only two years of formal education. He taught himself almost everything including writing, and wrote a lot. His voracious reading made him one of the top scientists and thinkers of his era.

The key to Benjamin’s success lies in his practical mind, or unprincipled mind as some taunted. For example, he deceived his former employer so that he could start his own printing business. He would haul papers along the street to impress his neighbors. He wrote “letter to editors” to his own paper to critique or praise his own writing.

His practical attitude was the most conspicuous when negotiating with England about tax treaty and tea fight in Boston, establishing alliance with French which ensured the success of the independence war, and moderating the independence and constitution conferences. His vocabulary certainly didn’t include stubborn.

He was a weak man in heart but morality never bothered him. His attitude towards women was controversial if not ignoble. His illegitimate son was a product of his joyful experience before marriage. He wrote indecent letters publically defending adultery. His advice on why a young man should marry an older woman was certainly disgraceful.He also lived a dual life: one family in England and another in Philadelphia. To some extent, he was an irresponsible husband, father, and lover, despite he strongly advocated family values.

Furthermore, he always had a light mood to such extent that no one knew exactly when he was serious. He wrote a formal letter to a French friend requesting a scientific study on farting. He proposed a sermon before every session during the constitution conference although he himself was not a church goer. His way of negotiating with French irritated John Adams who was a steadfast puritan.

Nevertheless, Benjamin’s success was built on his belief that achieving wealth and helping others were God’s good wills. He valued outcomes more than process. He worked hard on his own way caring little about frivolous morality. His life had a purpose—serving himself and his fellow citizens.

Then where did this belief come from? One has to trace back to the Protestant reformation. The Calvinism believed that God’s grace was reflected in the worldly property. To glorify God, one had to work hard to achieve success. The more wealth, the more success. On the other hand, those poor were rejected by the God. No mercy to them.

Max Weber first attributed the origin of capitalism to this religious faith. According to Weberian view, “life chance” is related to hard work, education, and beliefs. In fact, this view is still held in most Americans. In a meritocratic society, everyone can live up to his/her potentials if he/she works hard enough.

“Equal opportunity” is essential in the American dream. However, all people are equal, but some are more equal than others (George Orwell). If one is born in an upper middle class, he/she will have better opportunities in education and family and network support than those born in low middle class. They start from different rungs in the social ladder. Some just have to work much harder than others to achieve the same level of success, and unfortunately many times that is not possible. Benjamin Franklin was a rarity. That’s why we admire him.

The ocean is fair, but only in the eyes of big fish.