The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Reviewed by Jennie Sondakh

The book The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was published in 1941 by the Walter J. Black, Inc. It told of the life story of Benjamin Franklin first hand, considering that it was written by Benjamin Franklin himself. Many people see Franklin as a very prominent person, that he was, who held a high position in society. He was one of our Founding Fathers, an author, a scientist, an inventor, etc. Any textbook could tell a reader any of that information, but his autobiography goes far beyond the surface. This autobiography tells you first hand about his life, his challenges, and his journey to success.

In part one, Benjamin Franklin starts off by him writing a letter to his son, William Franklin. In this letter, Franklin writes about the intensions of his writings and goes off about his ancestry. As he continues he says how his life was good and that if he could he would relive his life. Throughout his life, Franklin never failed to thank God for the happiness that he found. Franklin was the son of craftsmen. His family consisted with a line of men who worked well with their hands. Benjamin’s family intended for him to in a church and becoming a pastor, but for awhile he just worked with his father and followed his footsteps. During this time he discovered a love for reading. Benjamin also attended school for two years and he very much excelled in writing. Soon enough Ben decided that he did not like the family business and decided to work also side with his older brother, as his apprentice, printing newspaper . Benjamin also had ambitions to travel overseas to see what was out there for him but his family discouraged him to do so. Him and his brother had an interesting relationship. They ran into disagreements that led to many years of dispute. Benjamin later left his brother’s home and set off on his many adventures to Philadelphia and other various areas where he begins his printing journey. Here he ran into obstacles, relationships, and life lessons.

In this part of the book I learn much about Benjamin. I am surprised on how little they teach students in school about Benjamin Franklin. You would the think his titles would say it all, but there is so much about him that you would not see just by the surface. Benjamin goes into detail about the activities he was involved in and the people he befriended. He also writes about the lessons he learned in the meaning of real friends, and simple business practices.

Part two to the autobiography contains two letters from Benjamin Franklin’s friends. These friends, Abel James and Benjamin Vaughn, requested that Benjamin complete his autobiography. Quoting from Abel James’ letter says, “…what will the world say if kind, humane, and benevolent Ben. Franklin should leave his friends and the world deprived of so pleasing and profitable a work; a work which would be useful and entertaining not only to a few, but millions?” Quoting from what Benjamin Vaughn wrote he says, “Your history is so remarkable, that if you do not give it, somebody else will certainly give it; and perhaps so as nearly to do as much harm, as your own management of the thing might do good. It will moreover present a table of the internal circumstances of your country, which will very much tend to invite to it settlers of virtuous and manly minds. …I do not know of a more efficacious advertisement than your biography would give.”

From this section, I discovered that Benjamin Franklin had taken part in bring up libraries. He realized that the people had no convenient means of attaining books to read. Benjamin was also a part of a group of readers called the Junto. They decided to pull together all their writing and books. There Benjamin had the idea of starting a public subscription library. What he did was got books shipped from England and made agreements with the subscriber. The library then received donation and the library stayed open and was able to expand.

The part that I enjoyed most about reading the autobiography was when he discussed about his moral struggle. Benjamin always did what he could to better himself and he was serious about it. What he decided to do was to create a chart with twelve virtue, soon changed to thirteen virtues that he found important in one’s life.

“1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13.Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.”

In this part, a reader can learn a lot about Benjamin Franklin and his character. He wasn’t perfect and he was clear to make note of the times he was wrong, but he persevered with his moral entity.

In the last parts of the book, Benjamin talks about his discoveries and scientific inventions. Some of the things he mentions was the Franklin stove, the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the plastic catheter. These were all very important inventions of his time.

Throughout the book, I found it amazing how Franklin, a man who started off as a printer’s apprentice, was able to retire by the age of 40. Listening to his life story make me have more appreciation for him. He was so determined and was so successful in the end. By reading his autobiography, it let me know as a reader that he was just like everyone, a human being. Most of all he was not an individual born of the high class, encouraging those who are in the lower to middle class to succeed as he did. Benjamin Franklin is considered the first true American, or Yankee. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a true classic and the first American success story.