Ben Franklin & Legacy Of Innovation --Junto Club Intro: In late 1726, young Ben Franklin had returned to Philadelphia after his two years stay in England. In 1727, he had quit his old job as a printer and he and his partner now waited for the new press to arrive. It was during this period, Ben Franklin started his self-improvement and conversation club that later became known as the JUNTO. There were 12 founding members, individuals, mostly like himself who were engaged in printing and allied trades. There were four questions that each initiate to the club had to answer before being admitted to the club. There was also a 24 point "guideline" that Ben Franklin offered as a guide to "conversations". A number of "practical" practices we have today actually come down to us today, a legacy of the work of the Junto. For example, "Volunteer Fire Fighters" was first conceived and implemented by Junto members under leadership of Franklin. The first "subscription library" was founded. And an "academy" that eventually became today's University of Pennsylvania. Discussions at the Junto events for example were to be conducted "without fondness for dispute or desire for victory".
Sincerly, Your hosts, Bill and Dave
Participant Forum
Participant photo Forum