"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

This quotation was used frequently during the Revolutionary period. It was first documented in 1755 in an answer by the Assembly of Pennsylvania to the Governor. Franklin used it as his motto in his "Historical Review" in 1759.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a brilliant man who contributed to America's early history as a scientist, inventor, statesman, printer, philosopher, musician and economist. While he is best known in American history for his contributions to the success of the American revolution, his contributions in each area was at a significant level. He was the first scientist to study and map the Gulf Stream, he invented bifocals and the Franklin stove, swim fins, the glass armonica (a musical instrument) that appealed to Beethoven and Mozart so much, they wrote music for it. He was an early and innovative printer, created the first circulating library, established the first fire insurance company in America, and in general, advanced the thinking in whatever situation he was involved.

In 1729, Franklin bought the Pennsylvania Gazette and turned it into an informative and popular paper. He was the first to publish cartoons and maps to illustrate his articles. His wit became widely know in this venture and he expanded his popular reach with the creation of Poor Richard's Almanac. Under the name Richard Saunders, Franklin launched the first edition in 1732 and it ran until 1757. It was a best seller and more popular than any of his newspapers. He published his political opinions to draw support, and of course, he began his wise and witty sayings. Although it is common to cite Franklin as the author of all of his sayings, many were taken from other sources and modified into Franklin's Yankee version. Franklin seems further unique in that he appeared to have lived his productive life by the principles he publicly espoused.

Franklin stands alone as the only person to have signed all four of the documents which helped to create the United States: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce with France (1778), the Treaty of Peace between England, France and the Unites States (1782), and the Constitution (1787). No individual was more involved in the birth of the nation than Benjamin Franklin.

Medium : 1 photographic print : color

Published : 1962

Creator : David Martin, artist, 1737-1797

Frame : 1" walnut with gold lip, Size : 13 x 17 1/4"

The image is housed in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Price: $110.00

Availability: Usually ships in one week

Product #: FR0100