Enlightening Minds: The Life and Legacy of Walter Isaacson

What is the plot of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a memoir that Benjamin Franklin wrote between 1771 and 1790, but it was published posthumously in 1791. It is divided into four parts, detailing various aspects of Franklin's life.

In part one, Franklin writes about his early life, his family background, education, and his journey towards becoming an apprentice in his brother's printing shop. He describes his experiences with poverty and his determination to improve himself through self-education.

Part two focuses on Franklin's journey as a young adult. He describes his move to Philadelphia, his establishment of his own printing business, and his involvement in various community organizations. Franklin also delves into his moral virtues and his practice of examining and improving himself through a set of guidelines he devised.

Part three covers Franklin's public contributions and achievements, both in the colonies and during his time in England. He discusses his inventions, including the lightning rod and his experiments with electricity. Franklin also narrates his involvement in politics, his role in the French and Indian War, and his efforts towards the establishment of public institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Hospital.

The final part of the autobiography focuses on Franklin's reflections on life and his personal philosophy. He discusses his belief in God and the importance of moral and ethical values. Franklin also provides advice for young people, advocating for hard work, honesty, and continuous self-improvement.

Overall, the autobiography provides a comprehensive account of Franklin's life, detailing his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential figures in American history. It serves as a guide to personal success and highlights Franklin's commitment to intellectual and moral growth.

Best books about Benjamin Franklin

1. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" by Walter Isaacson - A highly acclaimed biography that delves into Franklin's life, achievements, and contributions to American history.
2. "Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin - Franklin tells his life story in his own words, providing insights into his mind, character, and experiences.
3. "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin" by H.W. Brands - This comprehensive biography explores Franklin's role as a statesman, inventor, and intellectual during the founding of the United States.
4. "The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin" by Gordon S. Wood - Wood provides a fresh perspective on Franklin's life, focusing on his transformation from a loyal British subject to a committed American patriot.
5. "Benjamin Franklin: An Illustrated Life" by Doreen Rappaport - This book combines engaging storytelling with beautifully illustrated visuals, making it a great choice for both children and adults interested in Franklin's life.
6. "Franklin: The Essential Founding Father" by James Srodes - Srodes presents a balanced and comprehensive view of Franklin's life, highlighting his role in shaping American politics, science, and culture.
7. "Benjamin Franklin's World: A Biography" by Carla Charter - This lively and engaging biography provides an overview of Franklin's life and explores his impact on various aspects of American society.
8. "Young Benjamin Franklin: The Birth of Ingenuity" by Nick Bunker - Focusing on Franklin's early years, this book explores how his upbringing and natural curiosity laid the foundation for his future accomplishments.
9. "Benjamin Franklin: Inventing America" by Edwin S. Gaustad - This concise biography offers an accessible and informative overview of Franklin's life, emphasizing his role as an inventor and his contributions to American society.
10. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Genius" by Stephen Krensky - Aimed at young readers, this biography presents an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to Franklin's life and achievements.

11 Surprising Facts About Benjamin Franklin

1. Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of 17 children in his family.
2. He only attended school until the age of 10, but through self-study, he became a renowned scientist, inventor, and writer.
3. Franklin invented the lightning rod, which helped protect buildings from lightning strikes.
4. He established the first successful American lending library, which allowed people to borrow books instead of having to purchase them.
5. Franklin was a prolific writer and printer, and he published the popular newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette.
6. He was the first to propose the idea of daylight saving time, suggesting that people adjust their schedules in order to use daylight more efficiently.
7. Franklin was an advocate for public safety and established the first volunteer firefighting company in Philadelphia.
8. He loved to swim and invented swim fins, which he used to explore the waters around Philadelphia.
9. Franklin was a diplomat and played a crucial role in negotiating the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War.
10. He served as the governor of Pennsylvania from 1785 to 1788.
11. Franklin was a vegetarian for much of his life and even wrote a satirical essay titled "The Morals of Chess" where he compared the consumption of meat to the game of chess.