Initial Thoughts on The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography and Other Writings (Penguin Classics)

A while back I posted a blog titled “Benjamin Franklin in 10 Tweets,” and thought it would be a great follow-up to have today’s post. I reviewed The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin for Ambeck Edge in November 2004 and recommended it with reservation because it was so difficult to read.

Four years later, in 2008, I read The Autobiography and Other Writings (Penguin Classics), and found it was easier to read the second time around. I read sections of the books several times since. Here is the original book review, and the sections highlighted in red are new information that I have added to the review.

UPDATE: First Published August 2009

What is The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin About?

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an excellent book, but very difficult to read. It is written in old English and not structured in a way that you would expect. It took three attempts for me to finally read it through. To read this book and get the most from it, you need to set aside at least two hours. This is not a book to read in 15-minute time slots, and you’ll need an open mind when reading it.

The effort you make in reading this book is well worth it. Even though the information in this book was originally recorded in a manuscript in the 1700s, it’s timeless, and reaffirms that there are no new ideas. You will come away feeling richer. There are many lessons you can learn from reading this book. I am amazed at the way he used information to educate the masses.

Franklin wanted to introduce what he called a public subscription library, but when he tried to get the subscriptions, people objected and were reluctant to participate because it was “Franklin’s project”. He immediately learned that it was often more important to relinquish control of a project to benefit humanity if doing so would make it be accepted.

The Analects (Penguin Classics)

In the book, Franklin talks about his 13 virtues, which he tried to integrate into his life – temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility. He chose a virtue and focused on it for the entire week. Benjamin Franklin wanted to be morally perfect, but found perfection to be elusive. He realized that being perfect wasn’t possible, but he was glad he tried because he was a happier and better man after trying. Some of the virtues may not make sense in today’s world, but it is still worth thinking about. In May 2009 while I was reading The Analects of Confucius, Confucius outlined precepts to live by which reminded me of Franklin’s 13 virtues.

Have you read?

The Analects of Confucius, Review

Franklin was also an excellent time manager, accounting for every minute in the day and would never go to bed without first examining his day. As I am revisiting this book review, I am reminded of Socrates‘ famous quote “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

Benjamin Franklin, inventor, printer, publisher, business owner, franchiser, master of strategic alliances, fundraiser and so much more, gives new meaning to the terms “Jack of all Trades” and workaholic.

Five Great Ideas from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

1. Develop a Code of  Conduct for the way you live and work, so that when situations arise you know how to respond
2. Provide useful information to your clients
3. After making the first $1 million, it is easier to make the second
4. Before going into partnerships, develop contracts with clearly defined expectations and exit clauses to protect all involved parties
5. History is filled with mistakes, learn from them

Should You Read The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?

I recommend this book with reservation because even though it’s so difficult to read.

Books By Benjamin Franklin

 The Way to Wealth (Illustrated) Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard’s Almanack (Dover Thrift Editions) Poor Richard’s Almanac Benjamin Franklin’s Book of Virtues Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School Benjamin Franklin: Autobiography, Poor Richard, and Later Writings (Library of America)

Books About Benjamin Franklin

 The Autobiography and Other Writings Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Who Was Ben Franklin? The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

Related Posts

Benjamin Franklin in 10 Tweets
What Does This Benjamin Franklin Quote Mean to You?
The Analects of Confucius

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