Benjamin Franklin came from a very simple Calvinist background. He was born in a poor candle-maker's family in 1706. This poor Boston boy, with scarcely a day's schooling, became master of six languages and never stopped studying. Finally, he received degrees and diplomas （毕业证书） from colleges, and became forever remembered as “Doctor Franklin”, philosopher （哲学家） , patriot （爱国者） , scientist, philanthropist （慈善家） and statesman （政治家） .

Self-made, self-taught, self-reared, the candle maker's son gave light to all the world; the street ballad seller set all men singing of liberty; the runaway apprentice brought his native land to praise and honor him.

He built America, for what our Republic is today is largely due to the prudence （谨慎） , the forethought （远见） , the statesmanship （政治才能） , the enterprise （进取心） , the wisdom, and the ability of Benjamin Franklin. He belongs to the world, but especially does he belong to America . As the nations honored him while living, so the Republic glorifies （赞扬） him when dead, and has enshrined （铭记） him. In their hearts Franklin will live forever.