He was drafted onto the committee that drew up the Declaration (and may well have been the one who imposed the ringing term "self-evident," as against the more pompous "sacred and undeniable" in its crucial opening stave.) When George Washington's horse bore him into Philadelphia for the grueling meeting that would eventually evolve the United States Constitution, it was at Franklin's front door that the president necessarily made his first stop.
All the things that would later be used as part of the myth-making around Franklin.Īfter reading this autobiography, I kinda agree with Christopher Hitchen's take about the role of Benjamin Franklin as the Socrates of his day: It shows his curiosity, his work ethic, his creativity, his risk-taking, his bridge-building. It is a portrait of a polymath as a young man. So all of the Revolutionary War Franklin and Continental Congress Franklin is obviously missing. His autobiography, which is divided into two parts, ends in 1757. He seems to permeate so much of what it means to be an American and is an essential part our shared historical map. Part of it must be the feeling that Benjamin Franklin would always just be there. I'm not sure why I never read it until now. My brother recommended this book to me about 30 years ago. There is always just too much to do, too many questions to ask, too many books to read, too much to explore. “.there will be sleeping enough in the grave.”Įven in death, I can't imagine Franklin resting. The brief time you invest in reading this book give you information to be contemplated over a lifetime. Aside from giving you a brief idea as to why this man is considered to be highly charismatic, diplomatic, friendly, successful and likable, it will definitely be something for all to think about in terms of improving our own lifestyles. If you still cannot find the time to refer the entire book, though I strongly recommend you do find the time to read, at least go through Chapter IX: Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection. As one of the founding fathers of United States, and titled 'The First American,' Benjamin Franklin was one of the most ingenious men in the recorded history.Ĭompared to other autobiographies, this is a very short one, (also, an incomplete one), yet, it will give readers an unbelievable amount of insights. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, written by himself, is one of the must-read books for all, and considered by most to be the most influential autobiography ever written. "There will be sleeping enough in the Grave." "We may give Advice, but we cannot give Conduct." "Early to Bed, and early to rise, makes a Man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
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