Benjamin Franklin: A Man of American Ideals In his Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin wittily expresses his full confidence in mankind and its ability to achieve perfection. His life is a classic tale of a man who realizes the American dream of prosperity, independence, and happiness through hardworking and virtue. His diligence, thriftiness, practicality, and tolerance of his mistakes make him a true ideal American. Though Franklin is born to a humble family, he believes that only industry can lead him to a successful life. He started out as an apprentice to his brother in a small newspaper,