Benjamin Franklin Biography

At the start of the First Chapter, Franklin claims to write only so that his own life may be an example for his son of how one can live well and how one can get through hardships. He meant to show"…the conducing means...which…so well succeeded, my posterity…may find some of them suitable to their own situations." Franklin, B. (1909). The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. (New York: P F Collier & Son Company,

One of the most inspiring founding fathers of the United State has left the world a legacy of his to his son. Often viewed as the ‘jack-of-all-trades”, Benjamin Franklin wrote his own autobiography to recall the major events of history as he took part in them, whether he was successful or a failure. His autobiography was written in three different periods in his lifetime: 1771 in England (7), 1783 at France (100), and 1788 in America (118).

Benjamin Franklin was more a printer-man rather than an inventor, scientist, or businessman. Publisher of the Pennsylvania gazette, Franklin’s style of writing examined more than one point of view. Some say his style of journalism influenced modern day media. He was one of the first men to ever understand freedom of the press, tolerance, and freedom of speech, regardless of others in agreement. He printed an add that offended the local clergy. In response to the criticism, he published an “Apology for Printers”.

Everything changed during the eighteenth century due to one man. Born January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin came to be an astonishingly successful man. He is acknowledged as a virtuous man who committed himself to helping others and making America successful. He flourished on being an egghead on science, writing, philosophy, and diplomacy. Due to his abundant achievements; It is arduous, if not preposterous, to establish the greatest accomplishment from Franklin's deep and exciting life. He was a brilliant man that played an important role in the early life of America. (Meiss)

Initially, his dissatisfaction with his employer’s, and even his own brother’s, efforts and his belief that he could do better, allowed him to successfully start a career that would expose him to areas of interests that many common people of the time were not privy to, namely the written word. Franklin’s initial drive to become an independent printer had him travel to London, where he was exposed to a much more cultured lifestyle than seen in the Colonies. Although he enjoyed the European experience, it also allowed him a view of the contrasts that most Colonists did not enjoy and the question of political corruption became a focus of his thoughts. The exposure to politics, within the Colonies, as a representative of Pennsylvania, and other colonies, and abroad in England and France, established Franklin as one of the de facto leaders within the Independence movement. It would be unfair to ignore Benjamin Franklin’s other contributions, more readily understood by the common person, that came in the form of his more well known inventions, such as bifocals, electricity, and the lightning rod and other projects, such as the organization of Philadelphia's Union Fire Company. The phrase "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is attributed to Franklin as fire-fighting advise. Franklin also wrote Poor Richard’s Almanack, one of the most published

In The Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin recounts the many paramount experiences throughout his life that shaped him into great American figure he was known to be. On the opening page, Franklin reveals the book’s epistolary format by writing, “Dear Son,” going on to admit that he’s made some mistakes in the past and to recollect that past is a way to relive it. By divulging his desire to “change some sinister Accidents & Events” (Franklin 3) the author indicates how important it is for his son to observe as he amends his mistakes. Pride, virtue and vanity play a pivotal role in Benjamin Franklin’s life and the way he portrays himself to others. Instances occur where the author is shown gloating about his great accomplishments and he puts

Benjamin Franklin wrote his autobiography to help citizens of America, and inform them on his life accomplishments. Franklin wanted to help citizens prosper in their lives just like he did. Franklin gives tips and lays out ways to be a better person throughout his autobiography. The main example of his exigence is the virtues he explains. A few of the virtues Franklin explains are, “ Order- Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. Industry- Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. Tranquility- Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.” Franklin includes these virtues in his autobiography to provide the reader with ways to become a more successful person in life. Franklin wanted to give readers of his autobiography an outline of how to become successful in life through a few quick and easy steps. Olaudah Equiano’s main exigence or purpose for writing his autobiography is to provide the reader with knowledge of slavery. Equiano wanted everyone to know how cruel slavery was, and how unfair and poorly slaves were treated. He did this through telling his story as a slave during late 1700s. Equiano supports his purpose with

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston. His father, Josiah Franklin, who was a tallow chandler, had seventeen children; Benjamin was the fifteenth child and the tenth son. His mother, Abiah Folger, was his father’s second wife. After he went to grammar school from age eight to ten, Benjamin started working at his father’s business. He didn’t like the work very much, however, and so he began to work for a cutler. When he was just thirteen, he became an apprentice to his brother James, who had just returned from England with a new printing press. Benjamin learned the printing trade, but in his spare time he tried to improve his education. In 1721 his brother

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a detailed account of the illustrious experiences of Benjamin Franklin. Though the cultural differences in writing has changed since the 18th century one can learn a lot about one of America’s greatest forefathers through this book. It accounts for Franklin’s life when he was born January 17th, 1706 till the year 1757. Unfortunately, he died in 1790 and was never able to finish his autobiography. However, the book thoroughly details the early life of Benjamin Franklin.

It was the year 1706 in Boston, MA when Benjamin Franklin entered the world. Birthed after fourteen other siblings, Franklin's family structure is only one deciding factor in the way that this legendary tale pans out. A hero of American Revolution, this novel depicts 18th century realism accurately while logging Franklin's personal conception on human nature and social community. Many look at Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography as your typical rags to riches tale yet, the truth and falsehood throughout the pages is unknown, raising many questions and concerns. As this book was written in segments over a stretched period of time, we must analyze this account of his life, the struggles and successes which took place, and the outcome of such

Just this small page revealed more to the reader than many other articles about Franklin can. A perfectionistic attitude within the usually glorified hero of America. He was very hard on himself, and clearly tried to live a frugal lifestyle. As a historic character who is often glorified, this human perspective was

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin has many things, but maybe more than anything else about Benjamin Franklin it explains about him being a politician, and there is no more reason to look out for an unbiased autobiography from Franklin than from any other politician. This Franklin is a persona, a conscious literary creation bestowed for our contention One of Franklin’s virtues is humbleness, and his humbleness comes out in the form of his book. His narrative is extremely informal, not only in the first part, which was seemingly addressed to his son, however in the later sections the autobiography was controlled upon four separate occasions. The informal nature of the book exhibits Franklin’s intended humility, and

Franklin also played an important role in the colonial postal system. In 1737, the British appointed him postmaster of Philadelphia, and he went on to become a postmaster general for all the American colonies. In this role he instituted various measures to improve mail service. However, the British dismissed him from

Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography is an inspiring tale of his personal, as well as public achievement throughout his life. Franklin’s life embodies the exemplary model of a life composed of discipline, self-reliance and self improvement. From his humble beginnings as an apprentice candle and soap maker in his father’s business to a successful business man, author, philosopher, civil activist, politician scientist, inventor, and diplomat, above all Benjamin Franklin was, and still is, an American Icon and truly a pioneer of the American Dream.

Ben Franklin’s autobiography is a prime example of the American Dream. He starts life in a large family and is sent to find work fairly early. He grows into an educated, humble, and honorable man. Through his work in printing and writing he develops a formidable business and makes some money. Throughout his life he focuses greatly on achieving perfection, but finds that is not very practical, however it does lead him to happiness. He wrote this autobiography as a path, to live a life of virtue, mainly for his son. However, it has become a moral guide and tale of the so called American Dream. While there are several ways to interpret his writing and his character, Benjamin Franklin is one of the best examples of a pure and honest American.