The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Image from Wikimedia Commons

I wish I had read this book a lot earlier in my life.  Benjamin Franklin is a wonderful role model for anyone who has the ears to hear.  In fact, Franklin wrote this book for the benefit of his son William.

Franklin began writing the book when he was in his sixties and continued writing it over the course of the next 18 years until his death.  He starts his narrative with some family history of his ancestors before he begins relating details of his childhood.  After this, we get information about his life from his first apprenticeship, through his various travels and business ventures up to his service in public office.

Throughout the autobiography we see a man who was a shrewd judge of character, an industrious worker and a deep thinker.  Apart from describing incidents in his life, Franklin also shares his own philosophy of life with the reader, and it is wise, practical and earthy.

Benjamin Franklin was an business man, a politician, a practical scientist and an inventor.  He is credited with inventing the lightning rod and bi-focal lens glasses.  He also introduced the public lending library (which was a Scottish innovation) to America.  In addition to this, Franklin was President of Pennsylvania and an ambassador for the fledgling United States of America, serving in France and Sweden.

There is more to this man than he tells of himself in his autobiography, and I look forward to reading more about him in the future.  I highly recommend this book, especially to young people who are trying to become the person they will be.  Benjamin Franklin can help you on your journey.