Benjamin Franklin

(Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky, painted by Benjamin West, circa 1816, [Public Domain] via Creative Commons)

While there is a long list of impressive founding fathers from the era of the United States Revolution, very few even come close to the brilliance of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). The lifestyle and mindset displayed by Franklin served as an early model for American character and continues to be an inspiration for the  ‘American Dream.’ His diligence and unending drive for knowledge and industry continue to enamor those who read his Autobiography and learn about his life. His rags-to-riches story has given hope to generations of people who want to build a better life for themselves through sheer wit and willpower. Over the course of his life, Benjamin Franklin underwent a tremendous transformation, from a poorly educated boy who ran away from his family, to a world-acclaimed statesman, inventor, scientist and diplomat who was received as a guest by at least five kings.

Apuleius (125-180 CE)

(Public Domain sketch of Apuleius)

The Roman author, and minor regional statesman, Apuleius (125-180 CE), is best known today for his hilarious book, The Golden Ass (also called Metamorphoses). His imaginative tale details the journey of a man named Lucius, who is transformed into a donkey through magic, and must suffer a long string of odd and humorous events throughout the Roman Empire. The Golden Ass was likely written within the last twenty years of Apuleius’ life, when he had settled down in Carthage.

Confucius (6th and 5th Century BCE)

(Confucius. Portrait by Wu Daozi (685-758), Tang Dynasty, [Public Domain] via Creative Commons)