The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is the best autobiography I have read to date. What deems it endearing, entertaining, and reliable is the obviously unedited and uncensored content within. Today, some assert Benjamin Franklin merely created a public identity that was vastly different from the private Franklin, but I argue this is unwarranted and untrue. It would be impossible to support this idea centuries afterward, given the absence of anything negative written about him when he lived. At the time of his death in 1790 at the age of 84, he not only had no known enemies, but over 20,000 people from two continents were in attendance at his funeral. This is evidence of how well-respected and well-loved indeed he was. There is a great deal of incorrect and false information written about him today, chiefly from disreputable sources on the Internet. For this reason in particular, it is essential to get to know him beginning with this autobiography and other works.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Summary
This book reveals aspects of his character that are both subtle and outright, as said in his own words. The stories reveal a man who was not a philanderer, or “Illuminati,” or an atheist; in fact, no one that lived during his time fabricated such stories. Gossip and destruction of others’ reputations were likely no different in the 18th century other than the means by which “news” travels. There is not a single record or any verifiable outside information even hinting at the so-called adulterous affairs people today claim he had while overseas. Diplomacy might include friendly “flirtation” of sorts, and his wife, Deborah Read Franklin, was not only an intelligent woman, but also his closest friend and partner despite the years of separation. She handled his business affairs and had power-of-attorney; she also understood what the life of an ambassador might require. Mrs. Franklin was known for shipping favorite and difficult to obtain items overseas to women he knew in England and France. In addition, the loyalty Franklin displays within the pages toward his friends, colleagues, and his country are evidence he was also a trustworthy husband. The critical reader will detect truth between the written words. He sincerely cared about helping others, whether or not he became wealthy or well-known. Moreover, these very things gave him the ability to become a philanthropist, one whose success continues to educate and assist people even today.
Analysis of the book from Brian Muller
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Benjamin Franklin’s witty and at times painfully honest “stream of consciousness” style of writing is more evident than usual throughout his autobiography. While it might seem a shame he was never able to finish it, there are nearly 50 volumes of his works and letters to be enjoyed through Yale’s franklinpapers.org. These are his own words and the words of those who knew him directly; there is little need to read anything besides. There are numerous biographies written by modern authors and historians about him, but they should be considered historical support for the decades in which he lived, not as a means of knowing who he was. His essays such as “Dr. Franklin and the Gout” are widely available digitally and free-of-charge, including a number on Amazon Kindle. Reading these will also reveal that he does not mince words when writing about his faults. Much of what he writes in this autobiography is hilarious and surprising. Because of this humor and also his honesty, it becomes easy to think of him as an intimate friend. Knowing the Benjamin Franklin prior to the American Revolution will quickly remove any notion he branded himself or was merely an enigmatic historical figure. Finding out he became not only an abolitionist later in life, but was also an advocate for women’s rights by the age of sixteen, are facts unfortunately omitted from the majority of textbooks.
He began his autobiography at sixty-five – one of the busiest periods of a life dedicated to public service after retirement at forty-two as a printer. The few visual images we have reveal very little about who he was, making it easier to forget he was once a curious and gifted child, or an admittedly awkward teenage boy. The stories prior to his adulthood are interesting and even touching, such as the ones about his male friends during adolescence. He was curious and uniquely comfortable about his own death from a young age, and he shares his intimate thoughts about such topics. However, his analytical and logical approach even to life’s many mysteries as seen in his writing displays his avoidance of impossible claims for himself and others.
Benjamin Franklin must have known he was a gifted polymath, and sometimes a bit of arrogance is evident in his writing. However, this is rare, and pales in comparison to his desire for personal virtue and good character. He shares many experiences where he made a mistake, analyzed his error, and learned a valuable lesson. Both in this book and also many of his other works, self-deprecating humor is a noted aspect that sets him apart from other polymaths and Founding Fathers. In spite of his admitted struggle with humility, publishing his embarrassing moments, mistakes, regrets are what indeed made him more humble than he might have thought. He strove never to repeat the same error twice. The famed whistle purchase, a learning experience from his childhood, is the beginning of his reputation as a financial planner. His detailed explanation of the fascinating manner by which he recorded and charted his own faults, a plan that followed his own “13 Virtues,” reveals just how dedicated he was to good character. However, he also reveals the impossibility of perfection, and used it as a means of improving shortcomings.
Franklin is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most brilliant human beings to date. What he reveals about himself, good and bad, is reason to respect and revere him even more. While this book’s abrupt end might leave the reader feeling disappointed or longing hear more from him, Yale’s Packard Humanities project is Part II of what he wrote beginning at the age of sixteen. Reading what he thought as a teenage boy under female pseudonyms uncovers a well-developed personality and admirable character. This autobiography covers what he attempted to write in what little spare time he had as a public servant. He is an American hero and model citizen whose reputation is unparalleled even today. Those who find fault in this charming book do so without enough, if any, prior knowledge of Franklin’s accomplishments. Historians understand how difficult it is to list the numerous goals he achieved, obstacles he overcame, and sacrifices he made as a Founding Father. He embodies what patriotism sincerely means; however, he felt this carried a sense of duty as an example to the rest of the world. He was not only an unrivaled American diplomat, but also a citizen of the world. It is likely he suspected what damage might be done to his character and reputation long after his death, chiefly after the death of all those who knew him or at least knew of him. For this reason, the reader should keep these ideas in mind when feeling his writing seems hurried, unorganized, or scattered. Beginning as a young printer’s apprentice he eschewed gossip found in newspapers, significantly the damaging nature of false and sensationalized “reports.” As a man in his sixties, he would have better understood this. It is evident he sought to protect his own good reputation. He did an excellent and credible job, as also verified by the publicized praise from other great men and women who knew him intimately.
Conclusion
I recommend this book as a means of wetting one’s feet prior to additional forays into his writing. Above all, I regard this autobiography as a gift from the charming, witty author willing to risk the gallows for the sake of his and my liberty.
Who could find any fault with that?
Reviewed by D. Seiler
Also: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin – The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is the traditional name for the unfinished record of his own life written by Benjamin Franklin from.…
