Book excerpt: Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed is a biographical and critical study on Benjamin Franklin's life and work mostly based on Franklin's own writings. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading writer, printer, political philosopher, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies. As the first United States ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. Contents: Franklin's Moral Standing and System Franklin's Religious Beliefs Franklin, the Philanthropist and Citizen Franklin's Family Relations Franklin's American Friends Franklin's British Friends Franklin's French Friends Franklin's Personal Characteristics Franklin as a Man of Business Franklin as a Statesman Franklin as a Man of Science Franklin as a Writer