The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Author: Benjamin Franklin | Language: English | ISBN:
1936594099 | Format: PDF
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Description
Review
Compelling, instructional and Â…inspring. Â…It is obvious that Morgan has done his homework. --
(Blue Ridge Business Journal)Named a Best Book of 2002 --
(Salt Lake City Tribune)Thanks to Morgan'Â’s amiable biography Â…we meet Franklin and track his love of the British Empire and his eventual disillusionment. --
(Salt Lake City Tribune)[Morgan] writes with…the discipline of someone who commands far more detail …than he has allowed himself …to impart. --
(George Fetherling, Vancouver Sun)About the Author
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is one of the most celebrated figures in American history and one of the most fascinating of the Founding Fathers.
- Paperback: 152 pages
- Publisher: Tribeca Books (September 30, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1936594099
- ISBN-13: 978-1936594092
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
This is more of a collection of separate writings (often decades apart)
rather than a coherent autobiography. Im always fascinated by a glimpse
into historical society so I enjoyed the read, although many sections
are quite detailed and not very interesting descriptions of some particular
civic, political, or academic affair Franklin was involved in.
I think many are interested mainly in Franklin's character and its
ethical foundations- there are quite a few self-reflections
on these such as the value of honesty, sincerity and integrity, etc.
Other things I found interesting was the description of the problem
of alcoholism already 300 years ago (and the rejection by society people
suffering from it met with), the description of the Indian wars (where Indians
are describes as quite ruthless and vile, and, eventually wiped out by alcohol
rather than force), and the corruption and selfish characters
dominating politics and public office ("few in public affairs act from a view of the
good of their country, and fewer still with a view to the good of mankind"),
and the foundation of his friendships (which is always an activity or common interest).
Of great interest is also Franklin's list of virtues which he tried to live by
1 Temperance : moderation in food and drink.
2 Silence : Not unnecessary chatter!
3 Order : Things must be in their place, tasks must be allowed to take their time
4 Resolution
5 Frugality
6 Industry : Be always employed in something useful! Otherwise you are losing time.
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