Exploring Benjamin Franklin’s Surprising Hobbies and Interests
Benjamin Franklin was one of the most prominent figures in American history, known for his work as a founding father, statesman, and scientist. However, many are unaware of his varied interests and hobbies beyond these more familiar roles. It is these lesser-known aspects of Franklin that we will explore in this article.
Early Years and Curiosity
Franklin was born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, and from a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. At the age of 12, he apprenticed in his older brother’s print shop, where he first discovered his love for writing and publishing. His early years also saw him experimenting with electricity, leading to his famous kite experiment in 1752.
Music and Poetry
While Franklin is often remembered for his scientific pursuits, he was also a lover of the arts. He was known to enjoy playing the guitar, violin, and harp, and often wrote and performed his own songs. Franklin was also a skilled poet, and his works were published in both America and Europe during his lifetime.
Chess and Games
Franklin also enjoyed games of strategy, such as chess and backgammon. He considered chess to be a way to sharpen the mind and developed his own chess-playing algorithm. In addition, he was known to frequently gather with his friends for friendly card games, often playing for high stakes.
Swimming and Exercise
Franklin was a strong advocate for healthy living and believed in the importance of exercise. He was an enthusiastic swimmer, often swimming in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, and wrote a treatise on the benefits of swimming. He also enjoyed taking long walks, and invented a pair of “swim fins” to aid in swimming and other water-related activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Benjamin Franklin was an incredibly complex and multifaceted individual with a wide variety of interests and hobbies. This article has only touched on a few of his lesser-known pursuits, but it serves to illustrate the depth of his curiosity and the breadth of his accomplishments. We can all learn from Franklin’s example of lifelong learning and pursuit of knowledge in all areas of life.
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