Question/Problem 3: Explore reasons why social rank was important to both the individual and society.

Benjamin Franklin was the youngest son of a "middling sort" Boston printer. From this rank he was able to rise in social status to "the better sort."

The following quotes from Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac can be used in writing your essay about moving up the colonial social ladder.

• No man e'er was glorious, who was not laborious.

• Diligence is the Mother of Good-Luck.

• He that hath a Trade, hath an Estate.

• Keep thy shop, and thy shop will keep thee.

• No gains without pains.

• God helps them that help themselves.

• Drive thy Business, let not that drive thee.

• Pay what you owe, and you'll know what's your own.

• Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.

• Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise.