Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography offers a remarkable insight into the life and philosophy of one of America’s founding figures. Written in a conversational and engaging style, the text recounts Franklin’s journey from humble beginnings to eminence. He aptly illustrates how his upbringing in a modest Boston household, under the guidance of industrious and principled parents, prepared him to carve out his distinct path. Franklin’s narrative champions the concept of self-directed learning, reflecting his own pursuit of knowledge and skill acquisition as an autodidact. Despite lacking formal education, Franklin exemplifies how intelligence and resourcefulness can fuel the realization of the “American Dream.” This self-reliance and commitment to lifelong learning resonate compellingly today, encouraging students to embrace education in all its forms.
Central to Franklin’s philosophy as outlined in his autobiography are the thirteen virtues he sought to embody, which still hold relevance today. Although he didn’t always hold up to these values, they were still prevalent throughout his life. Each virtue—such as temperance, resolution, and justice—represents a principle Franklin believed essential to personal success and moral integrity. Particularly notable is his dedication to cleanliness, both physically and in one’s environment, encapsulated in his aphorism: “Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.” This emphasis transcended mere physical hygiene, suggesting an orderly mind and life could foster clearer thinking and efficiency, principles that undoubtedly benefit modern students navigating a complex world.
Franklin’s life and the virtues he promulgated underline the importance of cultivating good habits, which can significantly influence success. By diligently applying virtues like industry and frugality, Franklin illustrates how purposeful living can lead to prosperity and fulfillment. These virtues offer timeless guidance, suggesting that students today can benefit from adopting disciplined practices in their educational pursuits and beyond. The method of weekly reflection and self-assessment he practiced could also help students track their progress and adapt strategies for improvement.
Franklin’s autobiographical account is also a testament to his unorthodox approach to education and innovation. He eschewed traditional schooling after a brief period, yet his voracious appetite for reading and self-improvement equipped him with the tools to achieve greatness. This illustrates to students the power of curiosity-driven learning and the potential of self-education as a supplement to or substitute for formal instruction. Franklin’s diverse achievements, from scientific inquiries to diplomatic endeavors, exemplify the boundless possibilities open to those who are self-motivated and intellectually adventurous.
Despite Franklin’s significant achievements and prominence, his narrative reveals a figure who was occasionally anti-establishment in nature. He often questioned and critiqued established norms, whether through his satirical writings or his active resistance to oppressive proprietary governance in Pennsylvania. This critical, questioning mindset drove his innovations and reforms, making him not only a figure of wealth and influence but also one of principle and change.
The book has an eighteenth-century charm, featuring language and spelling that might feel a bit unusual to modern readers, like “sail’d” and “perceiv’d” instead of “sailed” and “perceived.” This old-fashioned style adds a layer of authenticity to Franklin’s story and prompts you to wonder whether these choices were made intentionally or simply reflect the writing norms of his time.
For students, Franklin’s willingness to challenge conventions and think independently encourages a mindset of critical thinking and innovation, which is as valuable today as it was almost 250 years ago.
Get the book! BMCC’s library has several editions, both print and online, of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. You can also read or download the work from Project Gutenberg.
About the author Bo Ouattara is a BMCC student and an avid reader.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
