The “American Dream” is defined by James Truslow Adams as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The “American Dream” is the stereotypical “rags to riches” story; the belief that one day one could go from being the son of a candle maker to becoming one of the most prosperous people in the country if not the world. While this term was not coined until 1931, the quest for the “American Dream” began as the first settlers embarked onto the “New World.” One of the first people to achieve this “Dream” was Benjamin Franklin. He went from a practical nobody to the very example of the “American Dream.” He didn't stop just at reading and writing. He would discuss everything he read and he was very curious. This curiosity fueled his desire to learn and was key in transforming Franklin into one of the most prominent figures of the 18th century. Benjamin Franklin embarks on his road to self-betterment without the explicit desire to become prosperous. His primary desire was to attain more knowledge and become virtuous. Benjamin Franklin wrote about thirteen virtues that he attempts to possess: Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility. He wills himself to make them part of his daily routine. He follows each virtue mastering each in a week for thirteen weeks and at the end of the thirteenth week he starts over from the first virtue. Franklin’s dedication to master these virtues highlights his dedication towards bettering himself and using education to change his life for the better. Each of Franklin’s thirteen virtues helped shape him into the prominent figure he had become. The most significant virtue on Franklin’s list is Silence: “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation” (64). This virtue means do not have conversations that are not worth h