Franklin Autobiography
On Self-Improvement
Benjamin Franklin was able to accomplish many things that ordinary men often are not given the opportunity to do. Franklin's father, Josiah, had initially planned for him to serve the Church, however, Franklin's ambition and intelligence proved to Josiah that his son was destined for greater things. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was written between 1771 and 1790 and was intended to serve as a guide an inspiration to Franklin's son, William, who at the time was the Royal Governor of New Jersey. The autobiography is divided into four parts and not only chronicles Franklin's life, but also outlines the steps he took to become the successful man that he is now remembered as being. By detailing the different opportunities and ventures that he took throughout his life, Franklin provides a guide of self-improvement.
One of the key reasons that Franklin wrote his autobiography was to pass down "any little anecdotes of [his] ancestors…and other [personal] inducements" (Franklin, 1790, p. 3). Furthermore, Franklin writes,
Having emerged from the poverty and obscurity in which I was born and bred, to a state of affluence and some degree of reputation in the world, and having gone so far through life with a considerable share of felicity, the conducing means I made use of, which with the blessing of God so well succeeded, my posterity may like to know, as they may find some of them suitable to their own situations, and therefore fit to be imitated. (Franklin, 1790, p. 3-4).
In this introductory letter and dedication to his son William, Franklin makes it clear that he wants others to be able to follow in his footsteps and that there are no excuses for not being able to excel at anything that one dedicates time and resources to.
By establishing...
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is widely considered to be one of the most important early examples of American literature, because his recollections not only offer important insights into the historical and social context of their writing, but also because Franklin himself attempted to imbue his autobiography with a distinct authorial voice and a number of important themes. Paramount among these is the theme of self-improvement, and at every
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